Consumer products companies that face class action litigation in California most often see two causes of action: (i) claims that the company violated California’s infamous Unfair Competition Law (UCL); and (ii) claims that the company has violated the Consumer Legal Remedies Act (CLRA).

These statutes are similar in some ways, but they have an important difference. A UCL claim is equitable, providing only for restitution and injunctive relief. Gardner v. Safeco Ins. Co. of Am., No. 14-CV-02024-JCS, 2014 WL 2568895, at *7 (N.D. Cal. June 6, 2014) (“The remedies available under the UCL are generally limited to the equitable remedies of restitution and injunctive relief.”) In contrast, the CLRA allows for damages.Continue Reading Class Action Defense Tip – Don’t Forget that UCL Claims Are Equitable