Text class action lawsuits are becoming far to common. More companies are attempting to use unauthorized text messages to promote their products. If you or someone you know received a text promoting Steve Madden products or events between the time of July 2010 until September 25, 2012 you might be a part of the Steve Madden Text Class Settlement. The lawsuit is entitled Ellison v. Steven Madden, Ltd., U.S. and is in the jurisdiction of the District Court for the Central District of California. The lawsuit claims that Madden violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act when they sent unsolicited text messages to customers promoting Steve Madden’s fashion products and promotional events. Madden has agreed to a 10 million dollar settlement even though they deny are actions of wrong doing. A class member might be entitled to a $150 settlement check if they file a valid claim form before April 11 2013. Please note that the settlement is still pending a fairness hearing that will take place on February 25, 2013. This hearing will determine if the settlement is fair to the class members. The hearing will take place at Courtroom 880 of the Edward R. Roybal Federal Building and United States Courthouse, 255 East Temple Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012-3332. A class member can obtain the claim form and other court related documents at MaddenTextSettlement.net.
In addition to the $10 million proposed settlement Madden has also agreed to stop sending unsolicited text messages. Who would of thought receiving a text message could be worth $150?!? Examples of the text messages that were sent by the company include:
“Psst… Hey Steve Madden Fan! Our Friends & Family promotion starts today!!! Use promo code SMFRIENDS at checkout and receive 25% off of your purchase. Shop right from your phone: http://bit.ly/SM_FRIENDS Don’t forget to pass it on… (Select exclusions apply) *Please note: Our text number is changing – future Steve Madden mobile updates will be coming from MADDEN (623336). Be sure to save this to your contacts. Reply HELP for help, reply STOP to cancel. Msg&Data rates may apply”
and
“Hello from Steve Madden! Good news! We are offering free shipping on all orders on our website. Ship, ship, hooray! Use code HOLYSHIP at checkout. Shop right from your phone!: http://bit.ly/SMFreeShip Offer good through Monday, May 30th. Online only. Valid only within the 48 contiguous US addresses. Excludes Clearance Items & Gift Cards. Spread the good word and enjoy the holiday weekend! Welcome to the new MADDEN short code! Just a reminder that you will continue to receive messages from ‘MADDEN’ (623336) instead of ‘91919’. Please save this short code into your contacts. Reply HELP for help, reply STOP to cancel. Msg&Data rates may apply.”
The court has appointed Jay Edelson of Edelson McGuire, LLC to represent class members. Steve Madden is a popular footwear company for women & men. The company was founded in 1990 and is based out of Long Island New York.
