Industries: Consumer Products

No matter how much care and effort are put into the creation of a product, safety issues can arise. Claims are made. Products are recalled. Reputations and stock values are threatened.

Your company needs a law firm that knows how to react.

The McGuireWoods Consumer Product Safety industry team has more than three decades of experience in this field. Long-time clients include Fortune 500 firms – domestic and international manufacturers of some of the world’s best-known products.

This team represents corporations in the risk, regulatory and litigation arenas. Clients also count on McGuireWoods to implement risk management programs aimed at preventing product liability claims and, in instances where a claim is made, improving the likelihood of defeating it. We have defended companies against product liability claims in state and federal courts, and we have extensive experience with matters involving the Consumer Products Safety Commission.

A partial list of products defended by the Consumer Products Safety team includes:

  • Alcoholic beverages
  • Electronics
  • Firearms
  • Power tools
  • Sports equipment

Representative Work

The following matters reflect the group's capabilities across a range of industries and issues:

  • Advise numerous importers, manufacturers and distributors, including Fortune 1000 corporations on their reporting obligations under Sections 15 and 37 of the Consumer Product Safety Act and assist in all stages of compliance.
  • Defend companies before the Consumer Product Safety Commission in civil and criminal penalty negotiations.
  • Develop recall and corrective action plans and negotiate fast-track or traditional recalls with the CPSC. McGuireWoodsLLP has experience with all facets of the recall process from assisting in pre-recall investigation, initial reporting obligations, coordination and negotiation with the CPSC, recall monitoring and follow-up reporting obligations.
  • Nationwide defense of personal injury and property damage claims arising in connection with recalls.
  • Onsite consultations and seminars to provide risk management advice and counseling.
  • Assist companies in responding to CPSC Incident and Epidemiological Reports and FOIA requests.
  • Review product literature and packaging materials for compliance with industry and regulatory standards.
  • Assist companies in responding to CPSC site visits or investigations.
  • Work on Rulemakings, from petition through the adoption of final regulations, ghostwriting many comments on the ANPR and proposed rules.
  • Monitored and commented upon the development of the Labeling Hazardous Art Materials Act (LHAMA).
  • Represented witnesses testifying before the CPSC (both voluntarily and pursuant to subpoena.)
  • Advised a wide array of clients on compliance with CPSC regulations, including but not limited to drafting owners’ manuals, warnings and compliance programs.

Related services for this industry team include: