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• Sheppard Mullin Richter & Hampton LLP on 12/22/2009

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In In re Vioxx Class Cases, (2009) __ Cal. App. 4th __, the trial court denied class certification after the defendant, Merck & Co., Inc. effectively showed that the plaintiff's theory of the case was grossly simplified. By introducing copious evidence showing the numerous factors that may relate to each class member's reliance and damages, Merck avoided class certification even in the face of its allegedly pervasive and misleading advertising campaign. The plaintiffs appealed, arguing that the California Supreme Court's decision in In re Tobacco II Cases, (2009) 46 Cal. 4th 298, undermined the trial court's rationale. The Court of Appeal, Second District, affirmed the trial court's denial of class certification.

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