Washington State

Office of the Attorney General

Attorney General

Nick Brown

State Settles Cases With Major Drug Maker

Seattle - Attorney General Christine Gregoire today announced settlements -- one in principle -- with drug maker Bristol-Myers Squibb, which was accused of illegally trying to extend exclusive rights to two widely prescribed medications.

The two cases, which represent a combined value of $155 million, involve the company's attempts to keep less expensive, generic versions of the anti-anxiety drug BuSpar and the cancer medication Taxol off the market.

Gregoire and Liquor Control Board crack down on Internet sales of imported cigarettes aimed at kids

OLYMPIA - December 21, 1999 - Attorney General Christine Gregoire and the Washington State Liquor Control Board today announced several Internet tobacco merchants are getting a cease and desist order for selling "bidis" to children ranging from age 12 to 17. The buys were part of a multi-state sting operation by 17 state attorneys general offices.
 
Bidis are hand-rolled cigarettes primarily made in India. They are an even greater health risk than traditional cigarettes and come in flavors attractive to children.

AG PASSES MONEY ON TO NEEDY

Seattle -July 14, 1998-- Money consumers generously gave to buy food baskets for the needy is finally going to its intended cause and not into the pockets of the fund-raiser who originally collected the donations.

The Holiday Basket Fund and its president, Anthony Ditore of Edmonds, will pay

$13,406 in restitution and fees to settle a lawsuit filed by the Attorney General for exaggerating the percentage of the donations to be given along with various other misrepresentations.

Agreement with Bank One Safeguards Consumer Financial Information

OLYMPIA-12.31.02- An agreement announced today will require a major U.S. bank to more carefully control how telemarketers and other businesses use personal information obtained from the bank about its customers, Attorney General Christine Gregoire said.

The agreement between the states and Bank One Delaware N.A.-formerly known as First USA-sets conditions under which the bank will share customer information with telemarketers.

AG appoints task force to explore protecting consumer privacy rights

Olympia - July 9, 1999 - State Attorney General Christine Gregoire today announced the formation of a special task force to examine growing concerns over privacy issues related to businesses’ collecting, using and disseminating personal data about their customers.

Recent news reports that banks and other businesses are sharing personal data, including credit card numbers, have prompted dozens of consumers to complain to the Attorney General’s Office about the practice.