John J. Stoia, Jr., of Coughlin Stoia Geller Rudman & Robbins LLP ('Coughlin Stoia') announced a landmark action settlement involving the largest recalls of children's toys in history. Through the settlement, Mattel Inc. and Fisher-Price Inc. agreed to provide refunds and other monetary relief to millions of families who purchased children's toys made in China. The toys were recalled or withdrawn from the market in 2006 and 2007, after they were found to exceed legal limits of lead in the paint or plastic of the toy or small magnets that could become loose and harm children if ingested. The affected toys include popular lines including certain Sesame Street toys, Dora the Explorer and Diego toys made by Fisher-Price, and certain Mattel toys, such as Batman, Polly Pocket, Barbie accessories, and Sarge cars. The proposed consumer class action settlement will resolve twenty-two class action lawsuits filed against Mattel and Fisher-Price and major retailers on behalf of millions of American children and families who purchased or received the defective toys as gifts before they were later recalled or withdrawn from market. Mattel entered into the settlement on behalf of itself, its subsidiary Fisher-Price, and the retailer defendants. If approved by the Court, the settlement will require Mattel and Fisher-Price to provide refunds to consumers who purchased or acquired the toys, as well as reimburse families who incurred costs for testing their children for lead exposure. Class members who participated in the prior recalls of the affected toys will automatically receive a check. Mattel will also implement a quality assurance program, overseen by the Court, which will ensure the safety of Mattel and Fisher-Price toys all around the world, and it will donate $275,000 to the National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions, a not-for-profit association of 150 children's hospitals, pediatric units of medical centers and related health systems.

Fisher-Price Inc. has announced a partnership with Dot Foods Inc. Effective May 2009 the Dot customers have been able to purchase more than 300 assorted Fisher products from their Dot Foods sales representative. According to Fisher, the partnership allows foodservice, convenience, retail and vending customers as well as distributors to consolidate their purchases through Dot. Fisher products available through Dot include roasted nuts, single serve snacking, trail mixes and baking nuts.

Fisher-Price Inc. launched a complete range of exclusive toys Precious Planet in India. Precious Planet range aims to create a safe, portable, comfortable and engaging space for babies. The range includes toys like the Happy Giraffe Bouncer, Open-Top Take-Along Swing, Froggy Friend Potty, Deluxe Musical Activity Gym and 2-in-1 Projection Mobile. All the toys have been especially designed to help to baby grow in a happy and safe environment.