Judge Jeffrey S. White ruled on Lenovo Inc.’s motion to dismiss on Tuesday, partly granting the motion that sought to eliminate computer purchasers’ claims for equitable relief. The court agreed that the plaintiffs failed to state claims for equitable monetary relief such as disgorgement and restitution because they did not plead an inadequate remedy at law.
The case arose last year after two Californians who purchased Lenovo laptops online from the company’s website based on the representation that they were receiving substantial discounts alleged that in fact the regular price, and therefore the discount, was inflated. They contended that they would not have bought the computers or would have agreed to pay less for them had they known their true regular price. The lawsuit stated California consumer law claims and sought injunctive and equitable relief and damages.
Lenovo partly moved to dismiss in November. The plaintiffs opposed. A hearing was scheduled for mid-January, however Judge White found the matter suitable for disposition without oral argument.
In this week’s opinion, the court relied on Ninth Circuit precedent to hold that the plaintiffs’ claims for monetary equitable relief could not survive dismissal as there was no reason why their claims at law, for damages, for example, were insufficient to confer relief. “With regard to their requests for restitution and disgorgement, Plaintiffs have not alleged facts to show they lack an adequate remedy at law; nor are...
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