Chevron Win Named Top Calif. Defense Verdict of 2008
A verdict for Chevron in a suit brought on behalf of Nigerian protest victims has been named the top California defense verdict of 2008 by a West Coast legal publication.
Jones Day defended the company in a case “with large amounts of money at stake and the company’s prestige on the line,” the Daily Journal reports (sub. req.).
The plaintiffs had sought damages for wrongful death and injuries for the incident in May 1998, which began when a group of Nigerian villagers took over a Chevron oil platform. Chevron called the Nigerian military, which shot several people.
The Daily Journal cites 10 top defense verdicts. Here are a few others:
• A jury finding for Rambus Inc. in a suit that had claimed the chip maker engaged in anti-competitive conduct while obtaining patents. Munger, Tolles & Olson represented Rambus.
• A defense win for Abercrombie & Fitch Trading Co. in a suit claiming the clothing company copied Levi’s trademark back-pocket stitching. K&L Gates represented Abercrombie.
• An award of only $1,500 in a suit by Dish Network Group against News Corp. in a case alleging piracy and corporate espionage. O’Melveny & Myers and Hogan & Hartson represented News Corp.
