January 2007
For decades in California, consumer class actions almost uniformly have involved claims under the Unfair Competition Law, California Business and Professions Code sections 17200 through 17209 (the "UCL"). Indeed, with its broad liability standards and powerful equitable remedies, the UCL has been the foremost "sword" for plaintiffs’ lawyers in California. Recently, though, plaintiffs’ lawyers increasingly allege claims under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California Civil Code sections 1750 through 1784 (the "CLRA"), a statute that is different in structure, but equally potent.
This article provides an overview of the structures, liabilities and remedies of both the UCL and CLRA.
January 2007
For decades in California, consumer class actions almost uniformly have involved claims under the Unfair Competition Law, California Business and Professions Code sections 17200 through 17209 (the "UCL"). Indeed, with its broad liability standards and powerful equitable remedies, the UCL has been the foremost "sword" for plaintiffs’ lawyers in California. Recently, though, plaintiffs’ lawyers increasingly allege claims under the Consumers Legal Remedies Act, California Civil Code sections 1750 through 1784 (the "CLRA"), a statute that is different in structure, but equally potent.
This article provides an overview of the structures, liabilities and remedies of both the UCL and CLRA.