Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Increased Scrutiny for <i>Cy Pres</i> Provisions in Class Action Settlements

By Joshua L. Becker and Brad M. Strickland
November 02, 2017

Editor's note: Lawsuits against pharmaceutical and medical device manufacturers often come in the form of class actions, and sometimes the settlement or award amount exceeds the identified class members' claim amounts. In such cases, the excess funds may be distributed to a cy pres recipient, but courts are starting to question such moves more thoroughly.

One of the critical issues addressed in a class action settlement is how the settlement funds are to be distributed. A popular method of doing this is to have a portion of the settlement fund made as a cy pres payment for the benefit of the class members. The term “cy pres” derives from the French expression “ cy pres comme possible,” meaning “as near as possible.” In the context of class actions, a cy pres distribution attempts to put settlement funds to their next-best use when, for one of a number of reasons, it is difficult to distribute all settlement funds to individual class members.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
New York's Latest Cybersecurity Commitment Image

On Aug. 9, 2023, Gov. Kathy Hochul introduced New York's inaugural comprehensive cybersecurity strategy. In sum, the plan aims to update government networks, bolster county-level digital defenses, and regulate critical infrastructure.

The Bankruptcy Hotline Image

Recent cases of importance to your practice.

The DOJ's Corporate Enforcement Policy: One Year Later Image

The DOJ's Criminal Division issued three declinations since the issuance of the revised CEP a year ago. Review of these cases gives insight into DOJ's implementation of the new policy in practice.

How AI Has Affected PR Image

When we consider how the use of AI affects legal PR and communications, we have to look at it as an industrywide global phenomenon. A recent online conference provided an overview of the latest AI trends in public relations, and specifically, the impact of AI on communications. Here are some of the key points and takeaways from several of the speakers, who provided current best practices, tips, concerns and case studies.

CLE Shouldn't Be the Only Mandatory Training for Attorneys Image

Each stage of an attorney's career offers opportunities for a curriculum that addresses both the individual's and the firm's need to drive success.