The Problem

Magazine publisher Hearst was disclosing its Michigan magazine subscribers’ identifying information to third-party data companies without notice and consent in violation of Michigan state law.

What We Did

Bursor & Fisher filed a class action lawsuit on behalf of a class of Michigan subscribers to Hearst magazines alleging that Hearst sold their subscription records, along with other personal, demographic, and lifestyle information, to numerous data miners in violation of the subscribers’ rights under the Michigan Preservation of Personal Privacy Act.  The lawsuit sought monetary damages under the statute on behalf of the consumers.

What Our Clients Got

After prevailing on a motion for summary judgment for the plaintiff, we negotiated a classwide settlement in which our client is receiving a $10,000 incentive award.  Under the settlement, each eligible class member who submitted a claim is receiving a cash payment of approximately $155.