Peggy Peterson, a spokeswoman for Mr. Oxley, said the 1995 legislation had achieved its purpose of reducing "frivolous litigation," noting that the number of investor cases has not declined in recent years.
Mike Moore, who, as Mississippi's attorney general, played a key role in the tobacco litigation, noted another difference: the tobacco companies had more money to spare than Purdue does.
A subsequent report by the financial analysis firm M-Cam highlighted the scope for further litigation noting that more than 30,000 patents have been filed relating to the key aspects of social networking, e-commerce and data management.
Being open after errors may also help avoid litigation, noted Dr. Gary Noskin, senior vice president and chief medical officer of Northwestern Memorial Hospital and a researcher at the Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine in Chicago.
Here's what was in a 2007 edition of BusinessWeek magazine: "Robin S. Conrad, head of the Chamber of Commerce's litigation arm, notes that the judicial branch offers an alternative forum where business can seek changes it has failed to win from other branches of government.
A representative from Abercrombie & Kent said the company does not comment on pending litigation, but noted that its licensing agreement required that prospective members be informed that it was not involved in the operations or management of the club.
Elizabeth Wydra, president of the Constitutional Accountability Center ― an organization that has filed legal briefs at different stages in the litigation ― noted the government's move was "unusual," but expected given the gridlock in Congress.
Cohen said he believes the matter can be resolved without litigation, but noted the Critchfields are ready to "explore all options" if not.
AmLaw Litigation Daily first noted the decision on Monday.
But as Jay Monahan, the vice president for litigation at eBay, noted, "I would consider Hermès one of the most consistent and aggressive enforcers".
