COSTA MESA, Calif., March 23, 2011 – Rutan & Tucker, LLP, California’s largest full-service law firm based in Orange County, and partner Layne Melzer were recently honored by client Brother International Corporation with its “Circle of Excellence Award.” The award was presented in the form of two crystal trophies engraved with the words, “In recognition and appreciation of the exceptional legal services provided to Brother International Corporation.” Henry Sacco, vice president and chief legal officer for Brother International, flew to Rutan & Tucker’s Orange County office from the company’s headquarters in New Jersey to personally present the trophies.
Brother International is the U.S. distributor of Brother-brand products manufactured by its parent corporation, Brother Industries Ltd. of Japan. Those products include Brother-brand printers and other similar products for home and office use. Brother Industries and its subsidiaries supply Brother’s innovative and award winning products throughout the U.S. and the world.
Melzer and fellow partner Karen Walter have successfully defended Brother International Corporation and Brother Industries in a series of consumer class action lawsuits alleging claims relating toner consumption and page yields in connection with Brother-brand laser printers and fax machines. While other manufacturers or distributors of similar business machines have paid millions of dollars in settlement of similar cases, Brother remained steadfast that the claims against it were without merit. Working closely with Sacco, Brother International’s chief legal counsel, the Rutan & Tucker team successfully secured the denial of class certification as well as the ultimate dismissal of each class action lawsuit. These extraordinary results were achieved without payment to the plaintiffs or their attorneys.
“We are proud of the work that Layne and Karen and other members of our team have done on behalf of Brother International and honored that Mr. Sacco took the time to make the presentations in person,” said Ski Harrison, Rutan & Tucker’s managing partner.
About Rutan & Tucker LLP
Rutan & Tucker is California’s largest full-service law firm headquartered in Orange County, California with offices in Costa Mesa and Palo Alto. Primary practice areas include corporate and securities law, business and real estate litigation, labor and employment law, intellectual property, real estate, government and regulatory law, land use law, bankruptcy, condemnation and property valuation, environmental law, and taxation and estate planning. Detailed information about the firm is available at www.rutan.com.
