Importing Defective Products: Legal Risks, Preventive Measures and Defense Strategies

Fallout from the Latest Chinese Product Recalls

Recording of a 90-minute CLE webinar with Q&A

Conducted on Wednesday, September 19, 2007

Course Materials

Description

Recent recalls of millions of unsafe products made in China - ranging from toothpaste to toys - have forced U.S. importers, distributors and retailers to carefully assess the mechanisms they have in place to protect against liability for potential injuries arising from defective imported goods.

Experts speculate that a storm of class action suits against U.S. corporations will follow the recalls. Such lawsuits raise a number of complex legal questions, including who is responsible for harm caused to consumers, where jurisdiction lies, and whether judgments can be collected overseas.

To head off the enormous costs of defending product liability lawsuits, it is critical that U.S. importers, distributors and retailers take steps on the front end to protect against or limit future liability for injuries caused by defective imported goods.

Listen as our experienced panel of attorneys offers their insights on contractual measures to provide greater protection/recourse to the importer, and operational steps for importers to take for better quality assurance. Plus, they will review possible steps to forestall the threat of, and to defend against, class action litigation relating to the importation of products found to have defects.

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Benefits

The panel will review these and other key questions:

  • What legal implications surround the litigation of defective imported goods?
  • What strategies have proven successful in defending against product liability lawsuits related to imported goods?
  • How can corporations best protect themselves against lawsuits for defective imported products?
  • What contractual measures can be taken now to provide greater protection for the importer?

Faculty

J. Russell Jackson
J. Russell Jackson
Partner
Skadden Arps Slate Meagher & Flom

He represents companies in class action and complex litigation related to products liability. He also advises...  |  Read More

Paul S. Rosenlund
Paul S. Rosenlund
Partner
Duane Morris

He represents businesses in product liability litigation and counsels manufacturers, importers and retailers in recalls...  |  Read More

Harold D. Stratton
Harold D. Stratton
Member
Dykema Gossett

He focuses on consumer product safety issues and federal regulatory matters. He formerly chaired the U.S. Consumer...  |  Read More