Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
The Firm
201-896-4100 info@sh-law.comFirm Insights
Facebook Settles Class-Action Lawsuit for $20 Million
Author: Scarinci Hollenbeck, LLC
Date: February 4, 2013
Key Contacts
Back
Members represented in a class-action lawsuit against social media giant Facebook may be entitled to a $10 payout after the networking site agreed to a $20 million-dollar settlement.
The class-action lawsuit revolves around Facebook’s use of members’ names, photos, likenesses and identities in sponsored ads without their permission. This scenario became an issue when the website went public, and members started inquiring about when they would receive payments for Facebook’s use of their information. The social networking site consequently agreed to settle the matter for $20 million outside of court.
While Facebook agreed to the settlement – which may boil down to a payout of $10 per member affected by the lawsuit – some analysts say that many members may be unaware of their rights or of the business law issue itself. Many users may have received an email message from individuals claiming to be part of Facebook’s legal team, and automatically theorized that the content was spam and deleted it. However, the message coming from legalnotice@facebookmail.com is a valid notification that alerts affected members of the settlement and provides instructions on how to claim a portion of the proceeds.
There is one catch, however, that may limit members from receiving their share of the payout. Facebook stipulated in the settlement agreement that if too many people submitted claims for the $10, it would donate the entirety of the funds to charity. While Facebook did not provide a concrete number outlining how many claims is too many, it released a statement explaining that as soon as it becomes “economically infeasible to pay money to persons who make a timely and valid claim,” the whole of the funds would be donated to a not-for-profit organization.
- Industries: Entertainment & Media
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Related Posts
See all
Guardianships in New Jersey: When a Loved One Can No Longer Manage Personal or Financial Affairs
When a family member can no longer make important decisions for themself, the question is often not whether the family will step in, but whether they have the legal authority to do so. A spouse may manage household finances, or an adult child may arrange medical care and pay bills. Still, informal assistance does not […]
Author: Marc J. Comer
New Jersey’s Revised UHAC Regulations: What Residential Developers Need to Know About Affordable Housing Commitments
New Jersey residential developers with affordable housing obligations should carefully review their existing approvals, development agreements, and proposed deed restrictions in light of the State’s revised UHAC regulations (Uniform Housing Affordability Controls). The regulations, which took effect on November 6, 2025, significantly change the administration and physical requirements for affordable housing units. For developers with […]
Author: Wendy Rubinstein Quiroga
“No Comment” Culture: Why Silence Is Often the Riskiest Legal Strategy
A “no comment” response is sometimes the right call when a legal problem arises. As a blanket policy, however, it lets allegations go unanswered, deadlines pass, evidence disappear, and manageable disputes grow into expensive litigation. The businesses that fare best are usually the ones that say little publicly while acting decisively behind the scenes. When […]
Author: Sean M. Pena
Utility-Scale Battery Storage Projects: A Legal Roadmap for Developers, Property Owners and Other Stakeholders
Utility-scale battery energy storage systems (BESS) are becoming an increasingly important component of the electric grid throughout New Jersey, New York, and Pennsylvania. As renewable generation expands, electricity demand increases and grid operators seek greater flexibility, battery storage can help balance supply and demand while providing additional capacity and reliability. For developers, battery storage presents […]
Author: Nicholas Wall
Navigating Disputes: Hire a Partnership Dispute Lawyer
A falling out between partners can be disastrous for any business. In many cases, the partnership will not survive. If you are in an unworkable situation with your partners, it may be time to consult a partnership dispute lawyer experienced in handling partnership breakups and dissolutions before the situation deteriorates any further. It is easy […]
Author: Jay McDaniel
Section 363 Sales in Bankruptcy: What Businesses, Lenders, and Buyers Need to Know
When a company enters Chapter 11 bankruptcy, many assume the process will culminate in a lengthy reorganization plan. However, distressed businesses are increasingly being sold through a different mechanism — a sale under Section 363 of the United States Bankruptcy Code. A Section 363 sale allows a company, as a debtor-in-possession in bankruptcy, to sell […]
Author: John D. Giampolo
No Aspect of the advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
Sign up to get the latest from our attorneys!
Explore What Matters Most to You.
Consider subscribing to our Firm Insights mailing list by clicking the button below so you can keep up to date with the firm`s latest articles covering various legal topics.
Stay informed and inspired with the latest updates, insights, and events from Scarinci Hollenbeck. Our resource library provides valuable content across a range of categories to keep you connected and ahead of the curve.