Pacific Market International, the manufacturer of the popular Stanley cups, has requested a Seattle federal judge to dismiss a proposed nationwide class action lawsuit. The legal dispute centers around allegations that the company failed to inform customers about the presence of lead in their products.
The company's attorneys argued in a motion to dismiss that the consolidated lawsuit, which seeks hundreds of millions in damages, lacks claims of actual harm or safety threats from the cups. "That glaring omission cannot be an oversight," the company stated in its filing.
In a separate motion, Pacific Market International contended that the plaintiffs incorrectly applied Washington state consumer laws to bring claims on behalf of a nationwide class of consumers. The company has asked the judge to strike these allegations.
John Rushing of Rushing McCarl, representing the plaintiffs, expressed confidence in defeating the motion, stating that the company's argument mischaracterizes the complaint.
The legal battle began in February 2024 when Pacific Market International faced multiple class actions in state and federal courts. Consumers claimed they weren't warned about lead used in the seal of the cups' vacuum insulation. While lead is toxic, the plaintiffs do not allege ingestion but argue they could have been exposed to the metal.
"No lead is present on the surface of any Stanley product that comes into contact with the consumer nor the contents of the product."
The Stanley brand, over 110 years old, has seen a significant surge in popularity, largely driven by social media influencers. This popularity led to a tenfold increase in revenue, reaching $750 million in 2023, according to CNBC.
It's worth noting that lead has been a concern in consumer products for decades. The EPA banned lead-based paint for residential use in 1978, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission regulates lead content in various products. The vacuum flask technology used in Stanley cups, invented by Sir James Dewar in 1892, can keep beverages hot or cold for up to 24 hours.
The consolidated case, "In Re Pacific Market International, LLC, Stanley Tumbler Litigation," is being heard in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. As the legal proceedings unfold, consumers and industry observers alike will be watching closely to see how this case impacts the future of product safety disclosures and consumer rights.