Flagship Theaters v. Century Theaters, et al.
Blecher & Collins is defending Century Theaters, Inc. and Cinemark USA, Inc. in an alleged antitrust lawsuit filed by a competitor movie theater in the Palm Springs area. The lawsuit purports to challenge preferential distribution of first run motion pictures by Universal Film Exchange and Sony Pictures Releasing to Century's The River 15 theater complex in Rancho Mirage. Century and Cinemark vigorously deny the allegations and assert that its conduct is lawful under the antitrust laws. Blecher & Collins successfully obtained summary judgment for Century and Cinemark. The case is presently on appeal.
Korea Supply Co. v. Lockheed Martin Corp., et al.
Blecher & Collins represented plaintiff Korea Supply Company in highly-publicized litigation against Lockheed Martin. Plaintiff represented one of two manufacturers designated by the Government of the Republic of Korea to bid on a radar contract. Plaintiff alleged that its client, MacDonald Dettwiler, failed to win the contract, despite a lower bid and superior equipment, because Lockheed Martin, by and through its agent, engaged in bribery and sexual favors with Korean Government officials. As a result, plaintiff alleged that it was denied a multimillion dollar commission. Blecher & Collins litigated the case up to the California Supreme Court and, among other things, successfully established the standard for bringing a claim for tortious interference with prospective economic advantage under California law. Korea Supply Co. v. Lockheed Martin Corp., et al., 29 Cal. 4th 1134 (2003). After seven years of litigation, including depositions around the world, and a three month trial in Los Angeles Superior Court, the parties settled this landmark case. The terms of the settlement are confidential.
Health Temp v. Arizona Hospital And Healthcare Association, et al.
Blecher & Collins represented an agency which is the largest provider of local temporary nurses to hospitals and other institutions within the State of Arizona. Health Temp filed an antitrust lawsuit in federal court in Phoenix alleging that an association and its approximate 50 member hospitals entered into an agreement to unlawfully fix the hourly rates to be paid to temporary healthcare agencies. After discovery was concluded, the case was settled on confidential terms.
Natural Gas Antitrust Cases I, II, III and IV
Blecher & Collins prosecuted a California Cartwright Antitrust Act case on behalf of some large companies and governmental agencies, including the County of Los Angeles. The complaint alleged that two energy providers conspired to restrict the flow of natural gas into the State of California. The case settled on a confidential basis.
Quake Global, Inc. v. ORBCOMM LLC
Blecher & Collins represented Quake Global, Inc., a San Diego based designer and manufacturer of satellite modems, in litigation and arbitration involving antitrust and breach of contract claims against ORBCOMM, a satellite communications services provider. Blecher & Collins recently concluded a successful renegotiation of Quake's contract with ORBCOMM, the owner of the satellite network.
Brill Media Company, LLC, et al. v. TCW Group, Inc., et al.
Blecher & Collins prosecuted an action for a number of companies that operated small newspapers and radio stations. The complaint alleged that the lender for these stations breached various agreements and state laws by intimidating and driving away companies that wanted to buy their assets. Blecher & Collins recently settled this case, and the Court has approved the settlement.
Nationwide Power Solutions, Inc. v. Eaton Electrical, Inc.
Blecher & Collins is prosecuting a case on behalf of 12 independent service organizations which maintain and repair Powerware UPS (uninterruptible power source) equipment. The complaint alleges that the manufacturer of the equipment violated federal antitrust and other laws by refusing to sell replacement parts and requiring the use of diagnostic software that serves no purpose other than preventing customers from utilizing independent service.
Med Alert Ambulance, Inc. v. Atlantic Health System, Inc., et al.
Blecher & Collins represented plaintiff Med Alert Ambulance against Atlantic Health System, which owns several large hospitals in Northeastern New Jersey, and a competing ambulance company. Blecher & Collins filed suit in federal court in Newark, New Jersey alleging monopolization, monopoly leveraging and unlawful tie-ins and claims of tortious interference arising out allegations that the hospitals owned by Atlantic Health Systems favored its own ambulance service over the competing Med Alert ambulance system by not providing a hospital bed to the referring hospital unless that hospital used Atlantic's ambulance service to accomplish the inter-hospital critical care transport. The court denied defendants' motion for summary judgment and the matter has now been resolved by agreement of the parties.
