Products Liability Trending Topics

To help with your writing efforts, here’s what people are looking for in Products Liability online. Trending topics culled from JD Supra, search analytics, social media conversations, and other sources:

Lawsuits Mount Against Apple Over AirTag Dangers 

Consider writing about:

Lawsuits filed againt Apple Inc. by individuals who say the company’s AirTags enabled people to track and threaten them; status of these lawsuits; noteworthy developments regarding specific claims or types of claims against Apple over the AirTags; how Apple has responded to the lawsuits, whether in terms of product modifications or otherwise; practical issues that these cases may highlight regarding adequacy of safety guardrails, whether in consumer products generally or in data-centric tech tools in particular.

Jury Returns $88M Verdict in Hernia Mesh Case 

Consider writing about:

An $88 million jury verdict in the first of thousands of cases to go to trial over injuries allegedly caused by hernia-repair mesh implants made by Medtronic’s Covidien unit; factors likely contributing to the large dollar size of the verdict; what this verdict could portend for other lawsuits over mesh implants; what this case may illustrate regarding liability risks, litigation trends, or litigation over a company’s alleged failure to warn.

Related information:

https://www.reuters.com/world/us-jury-says-medtronic-owes-88-million-first-case-go-trial-over-covidiens-hernia-2026-08-04

California EPR Law Takes Heat From Opposing Sides 

Consider writing about:

California’s Plastic Pollution Prevention and Packaging Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54); where this measure stands now; what it aims to accomplish; nature of opposing legal challenges to SB 54; how those challenges are progressing; why this California law seems to have become such a lightning rod for opposition; how other states’ extended producer responsibility (EPR) measures are faring, and how they compare to each other; whether EPR measures are multiplying; key compliance challenges, liability risks, or best practices for companies impacted by EPR measures.

Implications of U.S. Supreme Court’s Ruling in Monsanto v. Durnell 

Consider writing about:

The U.S. Supreme Court’s recent ruling in Monsanto Co. v. Durnell; what the ruling means for Monsanto’s labeling requirements, the company’s duty to warn, and its potential liability over the Roundup weedkiller; what the high court’s decision illustrates regarding the reach of the Federal Insecticide, Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act; the ruling’s additional implications for other manufacturers, for states’ authority and powers, and for consumer protections; best practices for companies facing failure-to-warn allegations.

Related information:

https://www.supremecourt.gov/opinions/25pdf/24-1068_n7ip.pdf

Lawsuits Follow Cyclosporiasis Outbreak 

Consider writing about:

Lawsuits related to the cyclosporiasis outbreak in the United States; which companies have been hit with lawsuits so far; basis for consumer claims; challenges for either side in a case like this; what this case may illustrate regarding vendor relationships, supply chains, and quality control; how companies that find themselves in the midst of a public health scare can best respond and contain fallout; what regulators’ role is in such a case; additional guidance on interacting with regulators and on implementing a mandatory or voluntary product recall.

Related information:

https://www.businessinsider.com/cyclosporiasis-diarrhea-outbreak-lawsuits-taco-bell-taylor-farms-2026-7

https://apnews.com/article/cyclospora-lettuce-taco-bell-cdc-fda-77f2b6db56fbeddcae045a03ccf122c4

N.Y. Legislation Could Usher In Tighter Standards for Cosmetics, Personal Care Products 

Consider writing about:

New York legislation known as the Beauty Justice Act; the legislation’s main areas of focus; the measure’s current status, prospects for passage, and potential timeline for implementation; potential penalties for non-compliance; how the standards or requirements contained in the Beauty Justice Act compare to other obligations seen on the state, federal, or global level; and perhaps a more expansive look at trends involving the manufacture or reformulation of cosmetics and personal care products with an eye toward addressing alleged health or safety impacts.

Related information:

https://www.nysenate.gov/legislation/bills/2025/S2057/amendment/A

Roku Reaches Settlement With Florida Over Children’s Data Privacy 

Consider writing about:

A settlement reached between Roku and Florida’s attorney general over the streaming platform company’s handling of children’s data; significance of this settlement; how Roku’s systems or practices are poised to change per the terms of the Florida settlement; how the state-level enforcement landscape is looking this year for companies that handle children’s data; what companies should know about privacy obligations and related legal risks involving children’s data.

Related information:

https://www.myfloridalegal.com/newsrelease/florida-attorney-general-james-uthmeier-and-roku-announce-resolution-digital-privacy-0

Federal Judge Dismisses Consumer Lawsuit Over Ultra-Processed Food Products 

Consider writing about:

A Pennsylvania federal judge’s dismissal of a lawsuit against major food industry companies over ultra-processed products; basis for the court’s dismissal of the suit; how other lawsuits over ultra-processed foods are performing; whether companies are (or should be considering) modifying their products in the face of apparently heightened attention to ultra-processed foods’ possible health impacts.

Related information:

https://www.fooddive.com/news/food-giants-ultraprocessed-lawsuit-dismissed/824472

$450M Settlement Reached Over PFAS Impacts in Three States 

Consider writing about:

A $450 million multistate settlement announced last month involving Chemours facilities that use or produce PFAS (commonly known as “forever chemicals”); how this settlement represents a first; key terms of the consent decree in this case; what this case may indicate regarding the Trump administration’s stance on “forever chemicals;” any other recent federal or state PFAS-related enforcement actions that businesses should know about; where the most significant PFAS-related risks exist these days for businesses.

Related information:

https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/chemours-agrees-450m-landmark-settlement-agreement-releases-pfas-forever-chemicals-west

https://www.epa.gov/newsreleases/epa-obtains-over-450-million-penalties-and-relief-agreement-chemours-settle-claims

Product Liability Risks and Trends Involving the Cannabis Industry 

Consider writing about:

Product liability concerns for cannabis-related businesses (in the jurisdiction of your choice); business practices or other factors that tend to lead to product liability risks for this industry; how product liability claims against the cannabis industry (either as a whole, or a specific segment of the industry) have performed; what the industry should be doing to protect itself against product liability lawsuits.

Ozempic Maker Faces Wrongful-Death Suit 

Consider writing about:

A wrongful-death suit recently filed against Ozempic manufacturer Novo Nordisk; key claims in the lawsuit; what this case may illustrate regarding potential liability risks involving duty to warn; what to know about the status or outcome of other lawsuits over the safety of the latest wave of weight-loss drugs.

Related information:

https://www.newsweek.com/ozempic-lawsuit-death-novo-nordisk-11650099

What to Know About ‘Innocent Seller’ Laws 

Consider writing about:

“Innocent seller” laws; how they function; how widespread they are, and whether they are becoming more or less common; how they impact businesses and consumers; key protections and limitations under innocent seller laws; examples of product liability disputes where innocent seller laws have been a factor in the outcome.

Illinois Poised to Set New Obligations for AI Developers 

Consider writing about:

A measure passed by Illinois legislators last month regarding frontier AI models; what to know about this type of AI technology; goals of the Illinois legislation, and what it could mean for AI developers; how Illinois’ Artificial Intelligence Safety Measures Act compares to AI-related measures signed into law in other states.

Related information:

https://www.ilga.gov/Legislation/BillStatus?DocNum=315&GAID=18&DocTypeID=SB&LegId=157797&SessionID=114

What Litigation Against Pharma Company Could Mean for ‘Duty to Innovate’ 

Consider writing about:

Litigation filed against Gilead Sciences by users of the biopharmaceutical company’s HIV medicine; what to know about a case recently heard by the California Supreme Court; what the outcome of this csae could mean for the pharmaceutical industry specifically and, more broadly speaking, for manufacturers’ duty of care, other obligations, and liability risks regarding their existing products and their related product development options and actions.

L.A. Jury Sides With Johnson & Johnson Over Talc-Cancer Allegations 

Consider writing about:

A defense verdict in favor of Johnson & Johnson in a bellwether trial regarding allegations that ‌the company’s talc products caused ovarian cancer; key factors that may have contributed to the outcome of the Los Angeles trial; how the issues and outcome in this trial compare to those in other lawsuits against J&J over its personal care products; and perhaps a comparison of talc-related legal developments, and relevant product liability laws, in the United States to those in other countries.

Related information:

https://finance.yahoo.com/sectors/healthcare/articles/j-j-beats-lawsuit-alleging-222409519.html

Tech Companies Continuing to Grapple With Social Media Addiction Claims 

Consider writing about:

The latest developments involving social media’s alleged addictive qualities, whether involving minors or adults. How are lawsuits, legislation, or regulatory actions on this front evolving? What significant outcomes or trends are you seeing on this front? Which developments strike you as especially noteworthy? How do addiction claims against social media companies compare to addiction claims in other contexts (whether involving pharmaceutical manufacturers, the tobacco industry, or other industries)?

Related information:

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/05/12/tiktok-instagram-social-media-addictive-eu-crack-down.html

https://apnews.com/article/meta-school-lawsuit-settlement-tiktok-snap-b20cdfe88dbcb55fb14808fe7f9c7372

https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/california-department-justice-releases-proposed-protecting-our-kids-social-media

Vermont Notches a First With Ban on Paraquat Over Health Concerns 

Consider writing about:

Vermont’s groundbreaking ban on the pesticide paraquat; reasons for the state ban; when the ban will be phased in; whom the ban mainly affects; how it will be implemented and enforced; whether other states are considering similar bans or restrictions; and perhaps a look at any noteworthy litigation involving alleged health impacts of exposure to paraquat or similar products.

Related information:

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2026/may/26/vermont-paraquat-weedkiller-ban

How Companies Make Themselves ‘Natural’ Targets for Consumer Lawsuits 

Consider writing about:

Consumer lawsuits over products advertised as “natural” or “naturally flavored;” product types that are seeing the most litigation over “natural” marketing claims; any noteworthy patterns or recurring themes among such lawsuits; how courts have regarded these types of consumer complaints; how companies can minimize potential liability stemming from “natural” claims; alternative options for companies that may be tempted to make risky “natural” claims.

EPA Adds Microplastics and Pharmaceuticals to Proposed Drinking Water Contaminants List 

Consider writing about:

The Environmental Protection Agency’s decision to include microplastics and pharmaceuticals for the first time on a draft of a periodically updated list of contaminants mandated under the Safe Drinking Water Act; what to know about the Act’s history and mandate; what items’ inclusion on the contaminants list could mean for related industries and their obligations; current status of the latest draft list; process for revising, approving, implementing, and enforcing the contaminants list.

Related information:

https://www.npr.org/2026/04/02/nx-s1-5771155/epa-microplastics-pharmaceuticals-drinking-water

How to Conduct a Product Recall [Ongoing] 

Consider writing about:

Voluntary and/or mandated product recalls; how to determine when a voluntary recall is the best course of action in response to a product defect or potential liability risks; under what circumstances a product recall may be externally mandated and enforced, and by whom; potential repercussions if a company fails to meet recall requirements; lessons from past product recalls or best practices for companies on conducting either voluntary or externally required recalls.

FTC Announces Enforcement Sweep Over Made in USA Claims 

Consider writing about:

The Federal Trade Commission’s April 14 announcement of enforcement actions involving three companies over their claims that their products were made in the United States; financial penalties to be paid as a result of the enforcement actions; what to know about relevant sections of the FTC Act or applicable labeling requirements; related FTC enforcement trends regarding “Made in USA” product claims; practical guidance regarding supply chains, labeling, advertising, and other company practices.

Related information:

https://www.ftc.gov/news-events/news/press-releases/2026/04/ftc-announces-made-usa-sweep-including-three-law-enforcement-actions-protect-american-consumers

What Are the Facts About California ‘Truth in Recycling’ Law? 

Consider writing about:

A California measure known as the Truth in Recycling or Truth in Labeling law; what to know about the law’s origins, key objectives, and effective date; compliance obligations and potential violation penalties under the Truth in Recycling law that businesses should be paying attention to; how the California law compares to other states’ recycling-related labeling laws; potential grounds for legal challenges to these types of laws.

How States Are Addressing Concerns Over Chatbots 

Consider writing about:

Trends involving chatbots; how state proposals regarding this tech development are evolving; which states have passed laws, or are considering legislation, on this matter; types of chatbots (business or “companion” types) and types of interactions or other activities that states are targeting; disclosure requirements and other key obligations under these state measures; potential penalties for violations; how either chatbot developers or businesses that make chatbots part of their operations can reduce potential risk to themselves or members of the public who interact with chatbots.

Roblox Gaming Platform Reaches Multimillion-Dollar Settlements Over Child Safety Issues 

Consider writing about:

Recent settlements that gaming platform Roblox has reached with several states over children’s safety; principal claims or concerns raised over the platform’s potential safety risks for young users; how Roblox is responding to those concerns; whether there are still additional child safety allegations against Roblox that have yet to be resolved; what other tech companies may be able to learn from the Roblox settlements regarding their own practices and whether they might need to improve them; and perhaps a wider-angle look at legal trends involving online child safety.

Related information:

https://www.nbcnews.com/tech/tech-news/roblox-alabama-settlement-attorney-general-rcna341128

https://apnews.com/article/roblox-nevada-settlement-28b3d7d7a483dc28462a7504b67c9bbc

Product Liability Implications of Draft AI Framework 

Consider writing about:

A discussion draft released in mid-March by Republican Sen. Marsha Blackburn in conjunction with a Trump administration Executive Order regarding AI laws; what this proposal aims to do; specifically, what it could mean for AI-related safety standards, product liability risks stemming from the development or use of AI technology, federal or state overview of AI systems, and related enforcement actions; potential oversights, gaps, or shortcomings in this discussion draft, or additional causes for concern.

Related information:

https://www.blackburn.senate.gov/2026/3/technology/blackburn-releases-discussion-draft-of-national-policy-framework-for-artificial-intelligence/3b3b6458-b6c7-478b-9859-374949586765

PFAS, PFAS, and More PFAS 

Consider writing about:

The latest significant developments involving PFAS, whether congressional legislation, labeling requirements, RICO lawsuits, or other actions or trends of note. The PFAS landscape seems to be roiling with an ever-increasing number of new developments that the business community should know about. What are the primary liability risk areas right now, or the emerging risks (whether generally speaking for the business community, or pertaining to a certain industry, product, practice, or region)? How can companies best defend themselves in this environment?

How AI May Play a Role in Reducing Product Liability Risks 

Consider writing about:

How companies can use AI tools as a way to strengthen their product safety practices; types of tools that coulld prove helpful in this regard and/or that are already being used for this purpose; how companies can make best use of AI tools for the sake of their products’ quality and performance and the satisfaction of customers; potential drawbacks or risks that companies should be aware of before embracing AI as a product safety “assistant,” lest an AI tool become a product liability risk of its own; any real-life cautionary tales on this front.

Meta Ordered to Pay $375M in New Mexico Lawsuit Over Child Safety 

Consider writing about:

A New Mexico jury’s verdict in a trial over Meta platforms’ alleged dangers to children; key claims against the tech giant; relevant statutes under which Meta was sued; what to know regarding the next phase of the New Mexico trial, and also regarding any other still unsettled cases involving social media platforms’ alleged harm to young people, and what this New Mexico case could signal for the potential fate of those cases; and perhaps some additional guidance for companies of other types regarding minors’ online safety and related liability risks.

Related information:

https://www.npr.org/2026/03/24/g-s1-115019/new-mexico-meta-children-mental-health

https://www.cnbc.com/2026/03/24/jury-reaches-verdict-in-meta-child-safety-trial-in-new-mexico.html

https://www.reuters.com/sustainability/boards-policy-regulation/jury-orders-meta-pay-375-mln-new-mexico-lawsuit-over-child-sexual-exploitation-2026-03-24

Will Consumer Lawsuit Sink Target Corp.’s ‘Sustainably Caught’ Tuna Claims? 

Consider writing about:

A proposed class action filed in California federal court this month against Target Corp. over “sustainably caught” claims that the retailer makes about its Good & Gather tuna products; what this case may demonstrate regarding best practices or potential perils in marketing products as being “sustainable;” what qualifies a product to be described as such; potential alternative phrasings to consider; related business or legal trends involving companies’ environmental claims, and how best to navigate possibly choppy waters.

Multinational Manufacturer to Pay $11M Penalty in CPSC Case 

Consider writing about:

An $11.5 million civil penalty that Shimano Inc. and Shimano North America Holding have agreed to pay to settle U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission charges; nature of the CPSC complaint; factors that likely contributed to the large dollar size of the proposed settlement; additional repercussions for Shimano involving its compliance performance and internal operations; lessons that other companies may be able to take from this case as regards the CPSC’s role and powers and regarding how best to comply with the Consumer Product Safety Act.

Related information:

https://www.cpsc.gov/Newsroom/News-Releases/2026/Shimano-Agrees-to-Pay-11-5-Million-Civil-Penalty-for-Failure-to-Immediately-Report-Bicycle-Cranksets-that-Posed-a-Crash-Hazard