Source: s3://data.kl3m.ai/documents/govinfo/USCOURTS/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-00159/USCOURTS-casd-3_17-cv-00159-3/pdf.json

Nature of Suit Code: 190
Nature of Suit: Other Contract Actions
Cause of Action: 28:1332 Diversity Action

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UNITED STATES DISTRICT COURT

SOUTHERN DISTRICT OF CALIFORNIA

SHEILA DASHNAW et al.,

Plaintiff,

v.

NEW BALANCE ATHLETICS, INC.,

Defendant.

Case No.: 17cv159-L(JLB)

CLASS ACTION

ORDER GRANTING 

PLAINTIFF'S SECOND 

RENEWED MOTION FOR 

PRELIMINARY APPROVAL OF 

SETTLEMENT

In this putative class action Plaintiffs allege consumer fraud relating to "made 

in USA" representations on certain New Balance athletic shoes in violation of 

California False Advertising Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17500 et seq.

(including violation of § 17533.7 relating to the sale of goods produced abroad);

Consumer Legal Remedies Act, Cal. Civ. Code §§ 1750 et seq.; California Unfair 

Competition Law, Cal. Bus. & Prof. Code §§ 17200 et seq.; breach of express 

warranty; negligent misrepresentation; and unjust enrichment. Plaintiffs seek 

injunctive and declaratory relief, restitution or disgorgement of profits or unjust

enrichment, and damages, including punitive damages. Defendant New Balance 

Athletics, Inc. ("New Balance") removed this action from State court. This Court 

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has subject matter jurisdiction under the Class Action Fairness Act, 28 U.S.C. § 

1332(d).

After an investigation, formal discovery, extensive motion briefing, including 

a motion for class certification and Daubert challenges to Plaintiffs' experts, the 

parties reached settlement in private mediation. Plaintiffs filed a motion for 

preliminary class action settlement approval. (Docs. no. 99, 103.) The motion was

denied because Plaintiffs did not meet the requirements of Federal Rule of Civil 

Procedure 23. (Docs. no. 101, 105.) Pending before the Court is Plaintiffs' second 

amended motion seeking preliminary approval of the Amended Settlement 

Agreement signed December 7, 2018, which together with attached exhibits, sets 

forth the terms and conditions of the class settlement as currently proposed. (Doc. 

no. 106-1 ("Motion") and doc. no. 106-3 ("Settlement"), respectively.) Plaintiffs

also seek class action certification for settlement purposes and approval of the 

proposed notice of class action settlement. Defendant does not oppose.

Having read and considered the Motion, including supporting declarations, 

exhibits and the Settlement, the Court finds and orders as follows:

1. The Court certifies for settlement purposes a Class comprised of:

All persons who purchased any and all “Made in USA” Shoes from 

New Balance and/or its Authorized Retailers in California from 

December 27, 2012 up to and including January __, 2019 (“Class 

Period”). “'Made in USA' Shoes” means the New Balance’s “Made in 

USA” labeled shoes purchased as new by Class Members during the 

Class Period, in California listed below: 

ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

601 ML996

M1140 ML997

M1290 MR1105

M1300 MR993

M1400 MW812

M1540 PM15

M1700 PM16

M2040 US574

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ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

M3040 US576

M498 US990

M574 US993

M585 US998

M587 W1140

M770 W1290

M990 W1400

M991 W1540

M995 W3040

M996 W498

M997 W587

M9975 W990

M998 W998

MK706 WK706

ML1300 WR993

ML1978 WW812

Excluded from the Class are: (a) New Balance’s board members and 

employees, including its attorneys; (b) any persons who purchased the 

“Made in USA” Shoes for the purposes of resale (c) distributors or resellers of “Made in USA” Shoes; (d) the judge and magistrate judge 

and their immediate families presiding over this action; (e) 

governmental entities; and (f) persons or entities who or which exclude 

themselves from the Class as provided in the notice.

2. This action meets the class certification requirements of Federal Rule 

of Civil Procedure 23(a) and (b)(3). Amchem Prods., Inc. v. Windsor, 521 U.S. 591, 

620 (1997); see also id. at 620-27. The Class is sufficiently numerous. The parties 

estimate that at least several hundred thousand of individuals fit the definition of the 

Class. As alleged in the operative first amended complaint, all of Plaintiffs' claims 

are premised on the contention that the label on "Made in USA" Shoes misled the 

consumers to believe that the shoes were American-made, when a significant part of 

the materials and labor were derived from abroad. Furthermore, Plaintiffs claim that 

as a result of this allegedly false advertising, Defendant was able to overcharge 

California consumers for the shoes and induce purchases that otherwise would not 

have been made. At least with respect to the statutory consumer protection claims, 

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Plaintiffs are not required to prove individual reliance, so long as the alleged 

misrepresentation would mislead a reasonable consumer. See Williams v. Gerber 

Prods Co., 553 F.3d 934, 938 (9th Cir. 2008) (am. Dec. 22, 2008); see also 

Chapman v. Skype, Inc., 220 Cal. App. 4th 217, 230 (2013). In this regard, "it is 

necessary only to show that members of the public are likely to be deceived." In re 

Tobacco II Cases, 46 Cal.4th 298, 312 (2009) (internal quotation marks, brackets, 

ellipsis and citation omitted). Accordingly, the legal and factual issues are 

sufficiently uniform to meet the commonality and predominance requirements. 

Based on the allegations regarding products purchased, Plaintiffs' claims are typical 

of the Class. Plaintiffs and their counsel have demonstrated they can adequately 

represent the absent Class members. Finally, the Court finds that maintenance of 

this action as a class action is superior to individual litigation.

3. Plaintiffs Sheila Dashnaw, William Meier, and Sheryl Jones are 

appointed as representatives for the conditionally certified Class. Jason H. Kim of 

Scheneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and Aubry Wand of The Wand 

Law Firm, P.C., are appointed as counsel for the conditionally certified settlement

Class ("Class Counsel") pursuant to Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(g).

4. Class Counsel is conditionally authorized to act on behalf of the Class 

members with respect to the acts or consents under the Settlement. Any member of 

the Class may enter an appearance through counsel of his or her own choosing and 

at his or her own expense. Any member of the Class who does not enter an 

appearance through counsel or appear on his or her own behalf will be represented 

by Class Counsel.

5. The Settlement provides for injunctive and monetary relief. The

injunctive relief requires Defendant to more accurately disclose the domestic content 

of its shoes. The monetary relief portion of the Settlement provides for a fund of 

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approximately $535,000 for payment of claims.1 Each Class member can recover a 

maximum of $10 per qualifying pair of shoes, up to $50 for 5 or more pairs or $100 

per household. In the event funds remain after all valid claims are paid, or any 

claim payment checks remain uncashed, the remainder will be distributed in equal 

parts to the Public Justice Foundation and Consumer Federation of California as cy 

pres recipients. On the other hand, if valid claims exceed the fund, the claim 

payments will be reduced pro rata. The $10 per pair of shoes represents Plaintiffs' 

maximum recovery based on their experts' opinion, if they prevail on their theory

that Defendant charged a $10 premium based on the allegedly inaccurate "Made in 

USA" representation. In addition to disputing liability altogether, Defendant 

countered with its own expert opinions to dispute the $10 premium. In order to 

receive $10 per pair of shoes, approximately 5% of the Class members would have 

to submit valid claims. A more common, albeit "very low," claim rate is between 10 

and 15%. See Briseno v. ConAgra Foods, Inc., 844 F.3d 1121, 1131 (9th Cir. 2017). 

If 10 to 15% of Class members submit valid claims, they will recover between $3.62 

and $5.43 per pair. When balanced against the cost and uncertainty associated with 

further litigation, the Court finds that the terms of the Settlement are within the 

range of possible approval as fair, reasonable and adequate under Federal Rule of 

Civil Procedure 23(e), and that there is a sufficient basis for notifying the Class of 

the Settlement. Accordingly, the Court grants preliminary approval of the 

Settlement.

6. The parties shall cooperate and comply with all of their respective 

obligations under the Settlement to the extent they must be performed pending final 

settlement approval.

 

1 Defendant will pay $750,000 from which an estimated $200,000 is to be paid 

to the Settlement Administrator, and $15,000 for enhancement payments to 

Plaintiffs, subject to Court approval. In addition to the $750,000, Defendant will 

pay up to $650,000 to Class Counsel for fees and costs, subject to Court approval. 

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7. Heffler Claims Group is appointed as Settlement Administrator. The 

Settlement Administrator shall comply with its duties as set forth in the Settlement 

and this Order.

8. The Court approves the long form and the summary notice attached to 

the Settlement as Exhibits 2 and 7, respectively (doc. no. 106-3 at 47-68 and 99-

1022(collectively "Notice")) with the changes indicated in Exhibits A and B to this 

Order, which are incorporated herein by reference. Deletions are indicated by 

strikethroughs, and additions are indicated in bold italicized font. Please note that 

Paragraphs 11 and 12 of the long form notice have been reversed. The parties must 

review the table of contents and all date and page references in the Notice to assure 

accuracy after revisions.

9. Plaintiffs propose to disseminate the long form notice by direct email to 

the Class members whose addresses are known, issuing a press release to a 

California wire service, publishing the summary notice in the Los Angeles Times in 

print and online, advertising the Settlement online on the websites most likely to be 

frequented by the Class, including Facebook and Instagram, establishing a 

settlement website where the Class members can access the long form notice, and 

establishing a 24-hour toll free interactive voice response telephone line. (See Decl.

of Jeanne C. Finegan (doc. no. 106-14 ("Finegan Decl.")) at 10-15; Settlement ¶ 

IV.B.1.) The Court finds the foregoing notice program adequate, provided that (a) 

the website provides access to the complaint and amended complaint, all orders of 

this Court relating to settlement approval, Plaintiffs' pending motion with all 

supporting documents and exhibits, the Notice, and, at the time of filing with the 

Court, any motion for attorney's fees and costs of Class Counsel and enhancement 

 

2 Page numbers are assigned by the Electronic Filing System. The long form 

notice includes Appendices A through C (Release and Waiver of Claims, Claim 

Form and Exclusion Form).

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payments to Plaintiffs, as well as any motion for final settlement approval with all 

supporting documents and exhibits; and (2) the telephone line allows putative Class 

members ultimately to reach a live person, or provide information on how to reach a 

live person, to answer questions. With these conditions, the proposed manner of 

distribution and form of the notice are approved. The notice satisfies due process 

requirements and requirements of Federal Rule of Civil Procedure 23(c)(2) and 

(e)(1), is the best notice practicable under the circumstances, and shall constitute due 

and sufficient notice to the Class.

10. No later than February 13, 2019, Class Counsel shall file a motion, if 

any, for attorney's fees and costs of Class Counsel and enhancement payments to 

Plaintiffs.

11. No later than May 6, 2019, the Class members shall submit their claims 

or requests for exclusion, if any, by following instructions in the long form notice. 

12. Any Class member who chooses to be excluded will not be entitled to 

any monetary recovery under the Settlement, will not be bound by the Settlement, 

and will have no right to object to the Settlement or appeal the judgment, if any. 

13. If the Settlement is ultimately approved, any Class members who did 

not choose to be excluded shall be bound by the Settlement, as well as all 

subsequent orders and judgment in this action. As provided in Paragraph 16 of the 

long form notice (Ex. A hereto), they will release certain claims as fully stated in the 

Release and Waiver of Claims ("Released Claims"). In addition, they shall be 

preliminarily enjoined pending final approval of the Settlement from filing, 

commencing, prosecuting, maintaining, intervening in, participating in, conducting, 

or continuing litigation as class members, putative class members, or otherwise 

against New Balance (or against any of its related parties or affiliates), and/or from 

receiving any benefits from, any lawsuit, administrative, or regulatory proceeding or 

order in any jurisdiction asserting any Released Claims. 

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14. No later than May 13, 2019, Plaintiffs shall file their motion for final 

approval of the Settlement. In addition to the required and customary filings, the 

motion papers shall include (1) any communications received from any government 

official in response to notice under 28 U.S.C. § 1715; and (2) the Claim 

Administrator's affidavit regarding compliance with its duties under the Settlement 

and this Order. The Claim Administrator's affidavit must include a report as 

outlined in the Finegan Declaration at Paragraphs 16 through 26, as well as copies

of the long form and summary notice, press release, and internet ads used in the 

Notice dissemination process, the number of putative Class members submitting 

claims, objections or requests for exclusion (including any untimely or disputed 

claims, objections and exclusion requests); the number of Class members to whom a 

payment will be made; calculation on the estimated payment per pair of "Made in 

USA" Shoes; and the estimated amount of the cy pres award, if any.

15. The final approval hearing is set for June 10, 2019 at 10:30 a.m. in 

Courtroom 5B of the United States District Court for the Southern District of 

California, located at 221 West Broadway, San Diego, California 92101 

("Hearing"), to determine all necessary matters concerning the Settlement, including

whether to grant final certification to this action as a class action for settlement 

purposes, whether to approve the proposed Settlement as fair, adequate, and 

reasonable; and whether to grant the motion for attorney's fees and costs of Class 

Counsel and for enhancement payments to Plaintiffs.

16. Any member of the Class may appear at the Hearing in person or 

through counsel of his or her own choosing and at own expense. Any member of 

the Class who does not appear will be represented by Class Counsel. 

17. Any member of the Class may object to the Settlement ("Objectors"). 

Objectors may present evidence and/or file briefs, if any, relevant to the issues to be 

determined by the Court. Objectors are encouraged no later than May 6, 2019 to 

comply with the instructions in the long form notice (Ex. A hereto). Any interested 

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party may file and serve a reply to objections, which shall not exceed ten (10) pages 

in length, no later than May 30, 2019. If a member of the Class intends to speak at 

the Hearing, he or she is encouraged no later than June 3, 2019 to submit to the 

Settlement Administrator and file with the Court a Notice of Intent to Appear. 

18. This Order shall not be construed as an admission, concession, or 

declaration by or against New Balance of any fault, wrongdoing, breach, or liability. 

Nor shall the Order be construed or used as an admission, concession, or declaration 

by or against Plaintiffs or the other Class members that their claims lack merit or 

that the relief requested is inappropriate, improper, or unavailable, or as a waiver by 

any party of any defenses or claims he, she, or it may have in this or any other action 

or proceeding.

19. Any motions for discovery filed by Class members pending final 

approval of the Settlement shall be directed to Magistrate Judge Jill L. Burkhardt, 

including any request by the parties to condition their response to a Confidentiality 

Agreement attached as Exhibit 10 the Settlement. 

20. As of the date this Order is signed, all due dates associated with this 

action are vacated, except for those related to the administration of the Settlement.

21. If the Settlement does not become effective in accordance with its

terms, or is not finally approved, or is terminated, canceled or fails to become 

effective for any reason, this Order may be vacated upon an appropriate motion filed 

no later than seven calendar days after the triggering event.

22. The Court reserves the right to adjourn or continue the date of the 

Hearing and all dates provided for in the Settlement without further notice, and may 

determine the matters on the briefs without a hearing.

/ / / / / /

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23. The Court retains jurisdiction to consider any further applications 

related to the Settlement.

IT IS SO ORDERED.

Dated: January 24, 2019

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EXHIBIT A

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Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB

CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT CLASS NOTICE

A Federal Court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer.

If you purchased any of the New Balance “Made in USA” labeled shoes listed below 

in California from during the time period of December 27, 2012 through to [Month Day, 

Year], the proposed settlement of a class action lawsuit may affect your rights. Read this 

Notice carefully because it explains decisions and actions you must take now.

SUMMARY OF YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS SETTLEMENT:

DO NOTHING You get no payment. You 

give up your rights.

SUBMIT A CLAIM FORM This is the only way to get a 

payment. 

The Claim Form, which is attached 

to this Notice, must be completed 

and submitted electronically or by 

mail no later than [Month Day, 

Year]. 

EXCLUDE YOURSELF Exclude yourself from the 

settlement. You get no 

payment under the 

settlement. This is the only 

choice that will allows you to 

sue New Balance on your 

own about the claims 

discussed in this Notice. 

The Exclusion Form, which is 

attached to this Notice, must be 

completed and submitted 

electronically or by mail no later 

than [Month Day, Year]. 

OBJECT TO THE 

SETTLEMENT

You can write to the Court or 

appear at the Hearing to 

state about why you do not

disagree with the settlement 

or any aspect part of the 

settlement it.

Even if you object, you can submit 

a Claim Form and get paid. An 

objection may be in writing, filed 

with the Court, and mailed to the 

Settlement Administrator. You are 

encouraged to submit your objection

on or before [Month Day, Year]. 

An objection may also be raised 

orally in person at the Fairness

Hearing.

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WHAT THIS NOTICE CONTAINS

PART I. WHY YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS NOTICE ........................................ 15

1. WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS NOTICE? ....................................................15

2. WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT AND WHY DID IT SETTLE?.......15

3. AM I A MEMBER OF THE CLASS? ........................................................16

4. I’M STILL NOT SURE IF I’M INCLUDED..............................................17

PART II. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS? .......................................................................... 17

5. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW? ...........................................................17

6. WHAT DO I GIVE UP IF I CHOOSE TO STAY IN THE CLASS?.........17

7. WHAT IF I DO NOTHING? .......................................................................18

PART III. SETTLEMENT BENEFITS – WHAT YOU CAN GET........................... 18

8. WHAT CAN I GET FROM THE SETTLEMENT? ...................................18

9. HOW CAN I MAKE A CLAIM?................................................................19

10. WHAT IS THE CLAIM PROCESS?.......................................................19

11. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ALL CLAIMS ARE PROCESSED AND 

THERE ARE FUNDS REMAINING?...............................................................20

12. WHEN WILL I GET MY PAYMENT, IF ANY? ...................................20

PART IV. THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING THE CLASS...................................... 20

13. DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THIS CASE?............................................21

14. WILL THE LAWYERS AND CLASS REPRESENTATIVES IN THE 

ACTION BE PAID? ...........................................................................................21

PART V. EXCLUDING YOURSELF FROM THE SETTLEMENT....................... 21

15. HOW DO I GET OUT OF OR EXCLUDE MYSELF FROM THE 

SETTLEMENT? .................................................................................................22

16. IF I DON’T EXCLUDE MYSELF, CAN I SUE NEW BALANCE 

LATER? ..............................................................................................................22

PART VI. OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT....................................................... 23

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17. HOW CAN I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?............23

PART VII. THE COURT’S FAIRNESS HEARING.................................................... 24

18. DO I HAVE TO COME TO THE HEARING? .......................................25

19. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO SPEAK AT THE FAIRNESS 

HEARING?.........................................................................................................25

PART VIII. GETTING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION..................................... 25

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PART I. WHY DID I YOU HAVE RECEIVED THIS NOTICE

1. WHY DID I RECEIVE THIS NOTICE?

You received this Notice because you may be a Class Member and may be able to receive 

payment under this class action settlement. This Notice explains the basic terms of the settlement 

and your options and rights as a potential Class Member. The Amended Settlement Agreement, 

and related documents, give greater detail regarding the terms of the settlement, and they can be 

viewed at the settlement website www.shoesettlement.com Instructions for obtaining copies are 

found in Part VIII below.

2. DESCRIPTION OF THIS LAWSUIT WHAT IS THIS LAWSUIT ABOUT AND WHY 

DID IT SETTLE?

This is a class action titled The lawsuit, Sheila Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, 

Inc., Case Number 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB (S.D. Cal) (the “Action”). Plaintiffs Sheila Dashnaw, 

William Meier, and Sheryl Jones ("Plaintiffs") allege that New Balance Athletics, Inc. ("New 

Balance") violated California consumer protection laws by advertising that some of its shoes 

are "Made in USA" when they are made from up to 30% non-domestic content. Plaintiffs also 

allege that New Balance charged a premium for such shoes. concerns claims that New Balance 

violated certain California state laws in connection with the marketing and sale of “Made in USA” 

Shoes during the time period of December 27, 2012 until [Month Day, Year]. The plaintiffs in the 

Action, through their attorneys, thoroughly investigated the facts and law relating to the issues in 

the Action, and claim that New Balance labeled certain shoes as “Made in the USA” when the 

domestic content did not meet the amounts required under California statutes for such a claim. In 

their complaint, Plaintiffs request monetary relief and changes to New Balance's business 

practices on their own behalf and on behalf of similarly situated persons. New Balance denies 

any and all claims of wrongdoing. 

The Court has not ruled on the merits of Plaintiffs' claims or New Balance's defenses. 

and without admitting any fault, wrongdoing or liability, has decided to settle this Action. Both 

sides the plaintiffs and New Balance believe that the settlement is a better result than continuing 

to litigate, fair, reasonable, and adequate and will provide substantial benefit to the Class. By 

settling, New Balance does not admit any wrongdoing. 

Because the parties decided to settle, the Court will not decide this Action. Instead, the 

Court has determined on a preliminary basis that certification of a class action is appropriate 

for purposes of settlement, and that the settlement is sufficient to warrant a notice to the Class. 

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The Court must still make a final determination, subject to any objections from the Class 

Members, whether the settlement is fair, reasonable and adequate.

The Court appointed Plaintiffs as Class Representatives, and Plaintiffs' attorneys Jason 

H. Kim of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and Aubry Wand of The Wand 

Law Firm, P.C. as Class Counsel to represent Class Members for purposes of the settlement. 

Class Counsel can be reached at:

The Wand Law Firm, P.C.

Aubry Wand 

400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300

Culver City, CA 90230

Telephone: (310) 590-4503

Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky & Wotkyns LLP

Jason H. Kim

2000 Powell Street, Suite 1400

Emeryville, CA 94608

Telephone: (415) 421-7100

Email: newbalancesettlement@gmail.com

The local attorney for New Balance is Garrett K. Sakimae, Fish & Richardson P.C., 

12390 El Camino Real, San Diego, CA 92130; Telephone: (858) 678-5070.

The Court also appointed Heffler Claims Group as the Settlement Administrator for 

purposes of the settlement. The Settlement Administrator can be reached at Heffler Claims 

Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 

19101-2220, as well as by calling toll free (844) 271-4789 or visiting www.shoesettlement.com.

3. AM I A MEMBER OF THE CLASS?

The Class includes all persons who bought any of the “Made in USA” Shoes listed in the 

table below from New Balance and/or its Authorized Retailers in California from December 27, 

2012 through [Month Day, Year].

ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

601 ML996

M1140 ML997

M1290 MR1105

M1300 MR993

M1400 MW812

M1540 PM15

M1700 PM16

M2040 US574

M3040 US576

M498 US990

M574 US993

M585 US998

M587 W1140

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ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

M770 W1290

M990 W1400

M991 W1540

M995 W3040

M996 W498

M997 W587

M9975 W990

M998 W998

MK706 WK706

ML1300 WR993

ML1978 WW812

4. IF I’M STILL NOT SURE IF I’M INCLUDED.

If you are not sure if do not understand whether or not you are a Class Member, you can 

visit our web site, www.shoesettlement.com, call (844) 271-4789, or you can contact Class 

Counsel, listed in Paragraph 2 above on page 9. 

PART II. WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS?

5. WHAT DO I NEED TO DO NOW?

First, you must decide whether you wish to remain in the Class or exclude yourself from 

the Class. If you exclude yourself from the Class, you will not be eligible to receive compensation 

under the settlement, or object to the settlement, but you will retain the right to sue New Balance 

on your own for the claims alleged in the Action. If you wish to exclude yourself from the Class, 

you must submit an Exclusion Form. For instructions, see Part VII below.

Second, if you remain in the Class and wish to receive compensation under the 

settlement, you must submit a Claim Form in order to be eligible to receive payment under the 

settlement. The benefits of the settlement are explained in Paragraph 8 below. If you disagree 

with the settlement, yYou may also object to the settlement by filing a written objection with the 

Court and/or request to appear and speak at the Court’s Fairness Hearing. You can submit a 

Claim Form even if you object to the Settlement. Instructions for submitting a Claim Form and 

objecting are found in Paragraphs 9 and 17 below.

Details regarding these options are explained below. 

6. WHAT DO I GIVE UP IF I CHOOSE TO STAY IN THE CLASS?

If you choose to stay remain in the Class, you will release certain claims you may have 

against be deemed to give New Balance and the Released Parties, as summarized in Paragraph 

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16 below and fully stated in the Release and Waiver of Claims set forth in Appendix A attached

at hereto (see page 14 [page no.]). You will also be bound by all the Court orders actions and 

judgments issued in this Action entered. You will not be able to sue or otherwise proceed against 

New Balance on any for certain claims related to this Action lawsuit.

7. WHAT IF I DO NOTHING?

If you are a Class Member and do nothing, you will stay in the Class. You will give up 

certain rights as indicted in Paragraph 6 above, but you will not get any payment from the 

settlement. but will be bound by the settlement’s release and waiver of claims. You must 

complete and timely submit a Claim Form on or before the deadline, which is [Month Day, Year], 

in order to receive any be considered for payment under the settlement. Instructions for 

submitting a Claim Form are found in Paragraph 9 below.

Unless you exclude yourself from the Class, if the settlement is approved all of the Court’s 

orders will apply to you and you won’t be able to start a lawsuit, continue with a lawsuit, or be 

part of any other lawsuit against New Balance about the claims in this lawsuit, regardless of 

whether you submit a Claim Form.

PART III. SETTLEMENT BENEFITS – WHAT YOU CAN GET

8. WHAT CAN I GET FROM THE SETTLEMENT?

Monetary Compensation

The settlement will provide a fund of $750,000 that, subject to Court approval, will be 

used to pay (i) valid and approved Claims submitted by Class Members pursuant to the Claim 

Process; (ii) the costs and expenses associated with theis Nnotice and claims administration in an 

estimated amount of $200,000; and (iii) enhancement service award payments of up to $5,000 to 

each of three named Pplaintiffs for their efforts and assistance in this Action on behalf of the 

Class. The $750,000 fund will not be used to pay New Balance’s attorneys’ fees and costs or 

Class Counsels’ attorneys’ fees and costs. If the foregoing payments are approved by the Court, it 

is estimated that $535,000 will be available to pay satisfy the claims of Class Members. 

The maximum award amount per pair of qualified “Made in USA” shoes purchased is $10, 

with a maximum of up to five purchases per person (i.e., $50) and $100 per household. However, 

if the total value of all approved Claims submitted by Class Members exceeds the estimated 

amount of $535,000, each eligible Class Member’s award will be reduced on a pro rata basis. In 

other words, it could be that your award will be reduced by several dollars, depending on the 

number of qualified claims submitted. 

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Changes to Business Practices

In addition to the foregoing monetary compensation, New Balance has agreed to make 

certain changes in their marketing and sale of “Made in USA” shoes to more accurately state

make the disclosures regarding the domestic content of its shoes more prominent, including but 

not limited to, the following: 

(1) Going forward the hangtag that affixed to the “Made in USA” Shoes will no longer 

include the phrase “Made in the USA” on the front of the tag. On the back, in clear 

readable font, the hangtag will include the following sentence, or words to similar 

effect, “New Balance ‘made’ is a premium collection that contains domestic value of 

70% or greater” unless and until a change in either federal or California law obviates 

the need for such clarification

(2) Going forward shoe boxes for the “Made in USA” Shoes will not include the phrase 

“Made in the USA” on the outside top panel of the box. New Balance may indicate 

that the shoes are made in the United States on the side(s) of the shoe box if, on the end 

and/or side of the shoe box, in clear readable font, it states the following sentence, or 

words to similar effect, “New Balance ‘made’ is a premium collection that contains 

domestic value of 70% or greater” unless and until a change in either federal or 

California law obviates the need for such clarification. 

Additional Please see the Settlement Agreement for further information about regarding all of the 

changes to business practices New Balance must will implement under the settlement is included 

in the Amended Settlement Agreement. Instructions for obtaining a copy are found in Part 

VIII below. 

9. HOW CAN I MAKE A CLAIM?

To receive a payment under the settlement, you must send in a Claim Form. A Claim 

Form and directions are attached as Appendix B to this Class Notice at (see page 17) [page no.]. 

You may also obtain and print a Claim Form and other relevant documents by visiting at 

www.shoesettlement.com. Please read the instructions and certification carefully, and fill out the 

form completely and accurately. Claim Fforms can be submitted electronically at 

www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New 

Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220 no later than [Month Day, 

Year]. 

10. WHAT IS THE CLAIM PROCESS?

Heffler Claims Group, Tthe Class Action Settlement Administrator, will review each 

Claim Form. You may be asked to verify your purchase of “Made in USA” Shoes, by providing 

receipt(s) or other documentation. Failure to If you do not respond to these a requests, it may 

result in the denial of your Claim. You will have thirty-five (35) days from the date of the 

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Settlement Administrator’s request to respond. If you submit a valid claim, you will receive 

payment in the form of a check.

11. WHEN WILL I GET MY PAYMENT, IF ANY?

You will receive payment in the form of a check if you submit a Claim Form by no later 

than [Month Day, Year] and the Claims Administrator determines that you have you have 

submitted a qualified claim. The Court must give final approval to the proposed settlement 

before any payments can be made. The hearing to decide whether to finally approve the 

settlement is set for [Month Day, Year] (the "Hearing"). The payment of valid approved Claims 

will shall begin 14 business days after the settlement is final and approved and the judgment is 

final, including any relevant appeals that must be resolved in favor of the settlement (the “Final 

Settlement Date”). Resolving appeals, if any are filed, takes time, sometimes more than a year. 

Finally, there remains a possibility that this settlement may be terminated for other reasons, as 

explained in the Amended Settlement Agreement. Instructions for obtaining a copy are found 

in Part VIII below. The payment process shall must be completed within 180 days of the Final 

Settlement Date.

The Court will hold a Fairness Hearing on [Month Day, Year] at [TIME] to decide whether 

or not to approve the proposed settlement. The Court must finally approve the proposed settlement 

before any payments can be made. The Court will grant final approval only if it finds that the 

proposed settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate. In addition, the Court’s order may be subject 

to appeals, and resolving them takes time, sometimes more than a year. Finally, there remains a 

possibility that this settlement may be terminated for other reasons. 

12. WHAT HAPPENS AFTER ALL CLAIMS ARE PROCESSED AND IF THERE ARE 

FUNDS REMAINING?

If there are any funds remaining after all claims are processed, those funds will shall be 

awarded cy pres and distributed in equal amounts in equal parts to Public Justice Foundation 

and/or Consumer Federation of California, both of which are non-profit organizations for 

protection of consumer rights that seeks to protect the rights of consumers. Any such funds paid 

to Public Justice Foundation and/or Consumer Federation of California will be used by them only 

for the purposes of protecting consumers from false advertising. No remaining funds will be 

returned to New Balance.

PART IV. THE LAWYERS REPRESENTING THE CLASS

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13. DO I HAVE A LAWYER IN THIS CASE?

The Court has appointed Class Counsel to represent Class Members for purposes of the 

settlement. Class Counsel is authorized to act on behalf of the Class Members with respect to 

the settlement. in this lawsuit. If you have any questions, you may contact Class Counsel at:

The Wand Law Firm, P.C.

Aubry Wand 

400 Corporate Pointe, Suite 300

Culver City, CA 90230

Telephone: (310) 590-4503

Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky & Wotkyns LLP

Jason H. Kim

2000 Powell Street, Suite 1400

Emeryville, CA 94608

Telephone: (415) 421-7100

Email: newbalancesettlement@gmail.com

You have the right to retain and make an appearance through your own attorney lawyer to 

represent you in this Action case at your own expense, or represent yourself without an attorney. 

but you are not obligated to do so. If you do hire your own lawyer, you will have to pay his or her 

fees and expenses. You also have the right to represent yourself before the Court without a lawyer.

Any Class Member who does not enter an appearance through an attorney or on his or her own 

behalf will automatically be represented by Class Counsel.

14. HOW WILL THE LAWYERS AND CLASS REPRESENTATIVES IN THE ACTION BE 

PAID?

Class Counsel have prosecuted this case on a completely contingent fee and have not been 

paid anything to date for their services. No later [Month Day, Year], Class Counsel will file a 

motion for submit a request to the Court for payment of attorneys’ fees and costs not to exceed 

$650,000 and for enhancement payments service awards of up to $5,000 to each of the three 

Named Plaintiffs for their assistance in prosecuting this Action. Any attorney fees and costs and 

enhancement payments approved by the Court will be paid by New Balance and will not reduce 

the settlement relief available to Class Members. You have the right to review the motion before 

you decide whether to exclude yourself from the Class or object to the settlement. Instructions 

for obtaining a copy of the motion are found in Part VIII below. can view this request at the 

settlement website www.shoesettlement.com. Any fees and costs awarded by the Court will be 

paid by New Balance and will not reduce the settlement relief available to Class Members. 

PART V. EXCLUDING YOURSELF FROM THE SETTLEMENT

If you don’t want a payment from this settlement, or but you want to keep your the right to 

sue or continue to sue New Balance on your own about the legal claims issues in this Action case, 

then you must exclude yourself from or “opt out” of the Class. Excluding yourself is telling the 

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Court that you don’t want to be a part of the Class. If you exclude yourself, you will not be able 

have no basis to object to the settlement or appear at the Fairness Hearing because it no longer 

affects you. 

15. HOW DO I GET OUT OF OR EXCLUDE MYSELF FROM THE SETTLEMENT

CLASS?

If you want to be excluded from the Class, you must submit an Exclusion Form to the 

Class Action Settlement Administrator. An Exclusion Form is attached to this Class Notice as 

Appendix C (see at page 21 [page no.]). Exclusion Forms can also be found at 

www.shoesettlement.com. Exclusion Forms can be submitted electronically online at 

www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New 

Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220. Exclusion Forms must be 

submitted by no later than [MONTH DAY, YEAR]. However, Iif your Exclusion Form request 

for exclusion is late or deficient, it will not be effective to exclude you will still be a part of the 

Class, you will be bound by the settlement and all other orders and judgments in this lawsuit, and 

you will not be able to participate in any other lawsuits based on the claims in this Action case. 

16. IF I DON’T EXCLUDE MYSELF, CAN I SUE NEW BALANCE LATER?

If you exclude yourself, you can sue New Balance for any claims you may have against 

it.

No. If you do not exclude yourself, your right to sue New Balance later will be limited. 

Upon final approval of If the Court approves the proposed settlement and you do not exclude 

yourself form the Class, you will release (give up) the Released Claims as fully stated in 

Appendix A attached at page [page no.]. In summary, Released Claims are all claims that have 

been or could have been asserted in this lawsuit Action and any claim based on the identical 

factual predicate as this Action, i.e., relating to your “Made in USA” Shoes statement on the 

shoes listed Paragraph 3 above. In addition, aAs part of this settlement, all Class Members 

and/or their representatives who do not timely exclude themselves from the Class are hereby 

preliminarily barred and enjoined pending final approval of the settlement from filing, 

commencing, prosecuting, maintaining, intervening in, participating in, conducting, or continuing 

litigation as class members, putative class members, or otherwise against New Balance (or against 

any of its related parties or affiliates), and/or from receiving any benefits from, any lawsuit, 

administrative, or regulatory proceeding or order in any jurisdiction asserting any Released Claims

as stated in Appendix A below.

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Upon final approval of the settlement, Plaintiffs and New Balance will ask the Court to 

enter a permanent ruling forbidding all Class Members and/or their representatives and/or 

personnel from engaging in the activities described above. All Class Members will be bound by 

this order. 

PART VI. OBJECTING TO THE SETTLEMENT

If you exclude yourself, you have no right to object to the settlement.

If you do not exclude yourself, and you are dissatisfied with the settlement or any part of 

it, yYou have the right to object tell the Court that you do not agree with the settlement or any or 

all of its terms. Objecting is a way of telling the Court that you don’t like something about the 

settlement. Even if you object, if you submitted a valid claim, you will still receive compensation 

under the settlement. In other words, you can object to the settlement and submit a Claim 

Form. You can only object if you stay in the Class. If you object to the settlement, you still remain 

a member of the Class and you will still be eligible to submit a Claim Form. In addition, yYou

will also be bound by any the orders and judgment subsequent rulings in this Action case and you 

will give up the Released Claims as summarized in Paragraph 16 above not be able to file or 

participate in any other lawsuit or proceeding based upon or relating to the claims alleged in the 

Action. 

17. HOW CAN I OBJECT TO THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT?

Any Class Member may appear at the Hearing and object to the settlement 

("Objectors"). Objectors may choose to present evidence and/or file briefs relevant to the issues 

to be heard and determined by the Court. Objectors are encouraged to submit any briefs and/or 

supporting evidence to the Settlement Administrator electronically at www.shoesettlement.com 

or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O.

Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220 no later than [Month Day, Year], and file them with 

the Clerk of the Court at United States District Court for the Southern District of California, 

333 West Broadway, Suite 420, San Diego, California 92101. 

If you file a written objection, it should state: (1) your full legal name, address, and 

telephone number; (2) the words “Notice of Objection:” (3) proof of purchase of “Made in 

USA” Shoes as specified in the Claim Form, Option B, see Appendix B, attached at page [page 

no.]; (4) the arguments supporting the objection in clear and concise terms; (5) any witness(es) 

you intend to call to testify at the Hearing; (6) your signature; and (7) attach true and correct 

copies of any exhibit(s) you intend to offer at the Hearing. You must reference the case name 

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Dashnaw et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., and number 17cv159-L-JLB. Any interested 

party may file a reply to objections no later than [MONTH, DAY, YEAR].

To object, you must provide a written statement saying you object to Sheila Dashnaw, et 

al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., Case Number 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB (S.D. Cal.). Your written 

objection must also include:

(1) your name;

(2) your address;

(3) your telephone number;

(4) proof of purchase of “Made in USA” Shoes, such as a cash register receipt, a 

credit card receipt, or a credit card statement that sufficiently indicates the purchase 

of the “Made in USA” Shoes;

(5) a written statement of your objection(s), including any legal support and/or 

supporting evidence you wish to introduce;

(6) a statement of whether you intend to appear at the Fairness Hearing;

(7) your signature; and

(8) the case name and case number: Sheila Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance 

Athletics, Inc., Case Number 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB (S.D. Cal.)

Your written objection must be filed with the Court and a copy must be sent to the Claims 

Administrator at www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, 

Inc., PO Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220.

In order to facilitate consideration by the Court, you are encouraged to submit your 

objection by no later than [Month Day, Year]. 

If you file an objection, but the Court approves the settlement as proposed, you can still 

complete a Claim Form to be eligible for payment under the settlement. In other words, you can 

simultaneously object to the settlement and submit a Claim Form. 

PART VII. THE COURT’S FAIRNESS FINAL APPROVAL HEARING

On [Month Day, Year], at [TIME], the Court will hold a Fairness Hearing at the United 

States District Court for the Southern District of California, before the Honorable M. James 

Lorenz, in Courtroom 5B, Edward J. Schwartz U.S. Courthouse, 221 West Broadway, San Diego, 

California 92101. At the Hhearing, the Court will consider all necessary matters concerning the 

proposed settlement, including whether to grant final certification to this Action as a class action 

the Class for settlement purposes, whether to approve the proposed settlement as fair, reasonable, 

and adequate, and whether to grant the motion for attorney's fees and costs of Class Counsel 

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and for enhancement payments to the Plaintiffs will make a final ruling on all related settlement 

issues. The Court will also decide whether to award attorneys’ fees and costs, as well as Class 

Representative awards to the named plaintiffs. 

18. DO I HAVE TO COME TO THE HEARING?

No. Class Counsel will appear on behalf of all Class Members to answer any questions 

the Court may have at the Fairness Hearing. But you are welcome to attend in person or through 

your own attorney come at your own expense. Please note that the Court may has the right to 

change the date and/or time of the Fairness Hearing and/or the matter may be submitted on the 

briefs without further notice. If you are planning to attend the hearing, you should confirm the 

date and time before going to the Court.

19. WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO SPEAK AT THE FAIRNESS HEARING?

If you are a member of the Class, and you (or your attorney) want to appear and speak at 

the Fairness Hearing, you (or your attorney) are encouraged to file a Notice of Intention to Appear 

at the Fairness Hearing with the Clerk of the Court at the address listed in Paragraph 17 above, 

and deliver it to the Settlement Administrator that Notice to Heffler Claims Group at the address 

listed in Paragraph 2 above, by no later than [Month Day, Year]. 

If you file an objection and/or orally object at the Fairness Hearing, you can still complete 

a Claim Form to be eligible for payment under the settlement, subject to the terms and conditions 

discussed in this Notice and in the Settlement Agreement.

PART VIII. GETTING ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

This Notice and the accompanying documents summarizes the proposed settlement and 

does not cover all of its terms. More details are contained in the Settlement Agreement. The full 

Settlement Agreement is on file with the Clerk of the Court. For a more detailed statement of the 

matters involved in this case, you may review the complaint and the other papers and Court orders 

on file in the Clerk’s office at any time. The Amended Settlement Agreement and all documents 

filed in this Action are available for review by visiting the office of the Clerk of Court for the 

United States District Court for the Southern District of California at 333 West Broadway, Suite 

420, San Diego, California 92101 during normal business hours, Monday through Friday, 7:00 

a.m. to 6:00 p.m. PST, or accessing the files through the Court's Public Access to Court 

Electronic Records (PACER) system at https://pacer.login.uscourts.gov/csologin/login.jsf. You 

can also visit www.shoesettlement.com, or contact call the Settlement Administrator at (844) 271-

4789, or contact Class Counsel (listed on page 9[page no.]) to view the Settlement Agreement and 

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obtain additional information about the settlement. Their contact information is found in 

Paragraph 2 above.

PLEASE DO NOT CALL THE COURT OR THE CLERK OF THE COURT

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APPENDIX A

Release aAnd Waiver of Claims

1. The Parties agree to the following release and waiver, which shall take effect upon entry of the 

Final Order and Final Judgment.

2. “Released Parties” means New Balance, its past, present, and future parents entities (including but 

not limited to New Balance, Inc., and any intermediary and/or ultimate parents entities), officers, 

directors, employees, stockholders, agents, attorneys, administrators, successors, suppliers, 

distributors, reorganized successors, spin-offs, assigns, holding companies, related companies, 

subsidiaries, affiliates, joint-ventures, partners, members, divisions, predecessors, and Authorized 

Retailers of “Made in USA” Shoes for resale.

3. In consideration of the Settlement benefits described in this Agreement, Plaintiffs and the other 

members of the Class, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, guardians, assigns, executors, 

administrators, predecessors, and/or successors, will fully, finally and forever release, relinquish, 

acquit, and discharge the Released Parties from – and shall not now or hereafter institute, maintain 

or assert on their own behalf, on behalf of the Class, or on behalf of any other person or entity –

the claims asserted in either the initial or the first amended class action complaint filed any of 

the Complaints in this Aaction and/or any claim based on the same identical factual predicate as 

any of the claims asserted in any of the Complaints in this Aaction. For the avoidance of doubt, 

the Parties intend this class release to extend to the furthest extent allowed by Hesse v. Sprint 

Corporation, 598 F.3d 581 (9th Cir. 2010). Released Claims do not include any claims that cannot 

be released as a matter of law.

4. Plaintiffs represent and warrant that they are the sole and exclusive owners of all claims that

they personally are releasing under this Agreement. Plaintiffs further acknowledge that they have

not assigned, pledged, or in any manner whatsoever, sold, transferred, assigned or encumbered

any right, title, interest or claim arising out of or in any way whatsoever pertaining to the Action,

including without limitation, any claim for benefits, proceeds or value under the Action, and that

Plaintiffs are not aware of anyone other than themselves claiming any interest, in whole or in

part, in the Action or in any benefits, proceeds or values under the Action. Class Members

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submitting a Claim Form shall represent and warrant therein that they are the sole and exclusive

owners of all claims that they personally are releasing under the Settlement and that they have

not assigned, pledged, or in any manner whatsoever, sold, transferred, assigned or encumbered

any right, title, interest or claim arising out of or in any way whatsoever pertaining to the Action,

including without limitation, any claim for benefits, proceeds or value under the Action, and that

such Class Member(s) are not aware of anyone other than themselves claiming any interest, in

whole or in part, in the Action or in any benefits, proceeds or values under the Action.

5. Without in any way limiting its scope, and, except to the extent otherwise specified in the

Agreement, this Release covers by example and without limitation, any and all claims for

attorneys' fees, costs, expert fees, or consultant fees, interest, or litigation fees, costs or any other

fees, costs, and/or disbursements incurred by Plaintiffs’ Counsel, or by Plaintiffs or the Class

Members.

6. In addition to the Released Claims, the Named Plaintiffs only agree to a general release, which 

includes a release of any unknown claims that they did not know or suspect to exist in their favor 

at the time of the general release, which, if known, might have affected their Settlement with, and 

general release of, the Released Parties. With respect to the general release, the Named Plaintiffs 

only stipulate and agree that, upon the execution of this Agreement, and by operation of the Final 

Judgment, they shall be deemed to have expressly waived and relinquished, to the fullest extent 

permitted by law, the provisions, rights and benefits of Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State 

of California, which provides that: 

“a general release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or 

suspect to exist in his or her favor at the time of executing the release, which if 

known by him or her must have materially affected his or her settlement with the 

debtor.” 

Named Plaintiffs only hereby agree that the provisions of all such principles of law or similar 

federal or state laws, rights, rules, or legal principles are hereby knowingly and voluntarily waived, 

relinquished and released.

7. Nothing in this Release shall preclude any action to enforce the terms of the Agreement, including 

participation in any of the processes detailed therein.

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8. Plaintiffs and Defendant hereby agree and acknowledge that the provisions of this Release together 

constitute an essential and material term of the Agreement and shall be included in any Final Order 

and Final Judgment entered by the Court.

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APPENDIX B

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB

CLAIM FORM

Use this Claim Form if you bought at least one pair of eligible New Balance “Made in USA” shoes 

in California between from December 27, 2012 to and [Month Day, Year]. The eligible New 

Balance shoes are listed at the end of this form below. Please refer to this list before filling out 

this form.

All Claim Forms must be submitted electronically at www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220, 

by no later than [Month Day, Year]. 

Submit this Claim Form to the Settlement Administrator online at www.shoesettlement.com or by first 

class U.S. mail to the address below no later than [month day, year]. 

Heffler Claims Group

Re: Dashnaw v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

P.O. Box 42220

Philadelphia, PA 19101-220

Payment amounts to eligible Class Members may will vary depending upon the number of 

Claim Forms and amounts claimed by all Class Members and other adjustments and deductions 

asspecified in the proposed sSettlement Agreement. The maximum award amount per pair of 

“Made in USA” shoes purchased—up to five (5) purchases per person—is $10. If your claim is 

approved, the Claim Amount it will be paid by check.

CLAIM INFORMATION

CLASS MEMBER INFORMATION

Name:

Mailing 

Address:

Number and Street

City: State:

Zip 

Code:

Telephone 

Number: E-Mail Address:

Option A: If you only purchased one pair of “Made in USA” shoes from between December 27, 

2012 and to [Month Day, Year], select Option A. If you select Option A, you are not initially 

required to submit proof of purchase.

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Option B: If you purchased more than one pair of “Made in USA” shoes from between December 

27, 2012 and to [Month Day, Year], you may submit a claim for up to five (5) pairs. If you want 

to submit a claim for more than one pair, select Option B. If you select Option B, you are required 

to a submit proofs of purchase.

You must select either Option A or Option B

[ ] Option A: Submit your claim without proof of purchase and receive up to $10.

Option A:

PURCHASE INFORMATION – NEW BALANCE SHOES

Eligible New Balance 

Shoe Model

Location Purchased

(store/website), City, State

Date of Purchase

mm/dd/yyyy

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

[ ] Option B: Submit your claim by completing the purchase information below on the next page

and include a valid proof of purchase for each eligible New Balance Shoe model, up to a total of 5 

pairs. Please include one of the following for each: 

 a receipt, 

 photograph of the eligible New Balance Shoes, 

 a photocopy of the purchase order onr your credit card statement.

If you do not include proof of purchase your claim may be deemed invalid at the discretion 

of the Settlement Administrator. 

Option B:

PURCHASE INFORMATION – NEW BALANCE SHOES

Eligible New 

Balance Shoe 

Models

Quantity 

Purchased

Location Purchased

(store/website), City, State

Date of Purchase

mm/dd/yyyy

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

__ __ / __ __ / __ __ 

__ __

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Please note: The Class Action Settlement Administrator may, at its discretion, request proof 

of purchase to validate your claim even if you choose Option A. The Class Action Settlement 

Administrator may also request additional proof of purchase if you choose Option B. If 

requested, you must provide proof of purchase within 35 days of such a request or your claim 

will could be reduced or denied and you may not appeal the reduction or denial.

AFFIRMATION

I declare or affirm, under penalty of perjury, that the information in this Cclaim 

Fform is true and correct to the best of my knowledge and that I purchased the 

applicable product(s) claimed above between December 27, 2012 and [Month Day, 

Year]. I understand that the decision of the Class Action Settlement Administrator is 

final and binding. I understand that my Cclaim Fform may be subject to audit, 

verification, and Court review.

Signature: Date:

Questions? Visit www.shoesettlement.com or call (844) 271-4789.

ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

601 ML996

M1140 ML997

M1290 MR1105

M1300 MR993

M1400 MW812

M1540 PM15

M1700 PM16

M2040 US574

M3040 US576

M498 US990

M574 US993

M585 US998

M587 W1140

M770 W1290

M990 W1400

M991 W1540

M995 W3040

M996 W498

M997 W587

M9975 W990

M998 W998

MK706 WK706

ML1300 WR993

ML1978 WW812

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APPENDIX C

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB

EXCLUSION FORM

If you do not want to participate in the proposed settlement, you must sign and fill out this form 

accurately and in its entirety, and you must submit it this form to the Settlement Claims Administrator 

online at www.shoesettlement.com or mail this form by first class U.S. mail to the address below. This 

Exclusion Form must be submitted by no later than [month day, year]. 

Heffler Claims Group

Re: Dashnaw v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

P.O. Box 42220

Philadelphia, PA 19101-220

IT IS MY DECISION TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE CLASS AND NOT TO 

RECEIVE ANY MONEY UNDER THE PROPOSED SETTLEMENT.

I confirm that I purchased one or more of the “Made in USA” Shoes listed in the table below 

from New Balance and/or its authorized retailers between during the time period of December 27, 2012 

and until [MONTH DAY, YEAR]. I confirm that I have received notice of the proposed settlement in 

this action. I have decided to be excluded from the Class. , and I understand that by submitting this 

Exclusion Form, I will be forever barred from ineligible to receiveing any money under the proposed 

sSettlement, and will not be bound by the proposed sSettlement.

ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

601 ML996

M1140 ML997

M1290 MR1105

M1300 MR993

M1400 MW812

M1540 PM15

M1700 PM16

M2040 US574

M3040 US576

M498 US990

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ELIGIBLE NEW BALANCE SHOE MODELS

M574 US993

M585 US998

M587 W1140

M770 W1290

M990 W1400

M991 W1540

M995 W3040

M996 W498

M997 W587

M9975 W990

M998 W998

MK706 WK706

ML1300 WR993

ML1978 WW812

DATED: 

(Address)

(City, State, Zip)

(Signature)

(Type or Print Name)

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EXHIBIT B

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Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc.

United States District Court for the Southern District of California

Case No. 3:17-cv-00159-L-JLB

SUMMARY CLASS ACTION SETTLEMENT NOTICE

A Federal Court authorized this notice. This is not a solicitation from a lawyer. 

If you purchased New Balance “Made in USA” labeled shoes, your rights may be affected 

by a proposed class action settlement may affect your rights. Read this notice carefully because it 

explains decisions and actions you must take now.

ARE YOU AFFECTED?

You may be a cClass mMember if you purchased at least one pair of eligible New Balance shoe models 

labeled as “Made in USA” from December 27, 2012 until through [MONTH DAY, YEAR]. A list of 

eligible shoe models can be found at www.shoesettlement.com.

A list of eligible shoe models can be found at www.shoesettlement.com.

WHAT IS THIS CASE ABOUT?

Thise lawsuit claims that New Balance violated certain state consumer protection laws regarding the in 

the marketing, labeling, and sale of its “Made in USA” Shoes. New Balance denies it did anything 

wrong. The Ccourt did not decide which side was right. Instead, the parties have decided to settle.

WHAT DOES THIS SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?

Monetary Compensation

The settlement will provide a fund of $750,000 that, subject to Ccourt approval, will be used to pay (i) 

valid and approved Cclaims submitted by Cclass Mmembers pursuant to the Claim Process; (ii) the costs 

and expenses associated with thise Nnotice and claims administration in an estimated amount of 

$200,000; and (iii) enhancement service award payments of up to $5,000 to each of three named 

plaintiffs for their efforts and assistance in this Action lawsuit on behalf of the Cclass. If these

foregoing payments are approved by the Ccourt, it is estimated that $535,000 will be available to satisfy 

the claims of Cclass Mmembers. The maximum pPayments to each Cclass Mmember is could be up to 

$10 for each pair of qualifying “Made in USA” Sshoes purchased, with a maximum of $50 per person 

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and $100 per household., but tThe amount may decrease pro rata, if the total number of valid claims 

exceeds $535,000 depending upon the number of claims submitted by all Class Members. 

Changes to Business Practices

Under the settlement, New Balance is also agreeing to must change the way it labels engage in certain 

notice practices relating to its shoes labeled as “Made in USA.” 

HOW DO YOU ASK FOR A PAYMENT?

To get money a payment under the settlement, eligible Class Members you must submit a claim form 

that includes information about your their purchase of qualifying “Made in USA” Sshoes. This is called 

a Claim Form. Claim Fforms can be found at www.shoesettlement.com. 

Claim Fforms must be submitted to Heffler Claims Group, the Claims Administrator, by no later than 

[MONTH DAY, YEAR] . Claim Forms can be submitted online at www.shoesettlement.com or by mail 

to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, 

Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220. 

WHAT ARE YOUR OPTIONS?

If you purchased a qualifying pair of shoes are a Class Member, you may (1) do nothing; (2) send in 

your claim; (3) exclude yourself; (3) send in a Claim Form and/or (4) object to the settlement. 

If you do nothing, you will not be eligible to receive any payment from compensation under the 

settlement, however, but you will be bound by the settlement’s release and waiver of claims 

summarized below in the paragraph titled "What Do You Give up If You Stay in the Class?"

If you want to receive a payment from the settlement, you must send in your claim as instructed 

above. You will be bound by the settlement’s release and waiver of claims summarized below in the 

paragraph titled "What Do You Give up If You Stay in the Class?"

If you don’t want to be bound by the settlement, you must submit a form that states you want to be 

excluded from this class action lawsuit the settlement. This is called an Exclusion Form. If you exclude 

yourself, you will not can’t get a payment from the settlement, but you will preserve all the rights to sue 

New Balance on your own for these claims. 

Exclusion Fforms can be found at www.shoesettlement.com. They Exclusion Forms must be submitted 

by no later than [MONTH DAY, YEAR]. Exclusion Forms can be submitted online at 

www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance 

Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220.

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If you do not exclude yourself, you may object to the settlement or any part of it. Even if you object, 

you can still receive payment from the settlement, if you timely submit your claim. If you wish to 

object, you should file your objection with the court and submit it online at www.shoesettlement.com 

or by mail to Heffler Claims Group, Re: Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 

42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220 no later than [MONTH, DAY, YEAR]. For instructions about 

how to object, refer to the section below titled "How Can You Get More Information?"

WHAT DO YOU GIVE UP IF YOU STAY IN THE CLASS?

If you stay in the Class, you may submit a Claim Form and/or object to the settlement. Objections must 

be filed with the Court and they must also be submitted to the Claims Administrator at 

www.shoesettlement.com or by mail to Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., PO Box 42220, 

Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220.

If you do not exclude yourself remain a Class Member by doing nothing, submitting a Cclaim Form, or 

objecting to the Ssettlement, you will give up your right to sue New Balance on your own for any 

claims based on the qualifying shoe purchases. be agreeing to the following release as to New 

Balance Athletics, Inc. and its past, present and future parents (including but not limited to New 

Balance, Inc., and any intermediary and/or ultimate parents), or against any of and its related parties or 

affiliates:

In consideration of the Settlement benefits described in this Agreement, Plaintiffs and the 

other members of the Class, on behalf of themselves, their heirs, guardians, assigns, 

executors, administrators, predecessors, and/or successors, will fully, finally and forever 

release, relinquish, acquit, and discharge the Released Parties from – and shall not now or 

hereafter institute, maintain or assert on their own behalf, on behalf of the Class, or on behalf 

of any other person or entity – the claims asserted in any of the Complaints in this action and/or 

any claim based on the same factual predicate as any of the claims asserted in any of the 

Complaints in this action. 

The complete Release and Waiver of Claims provision is included in the Amended Settlement 

Agreement. For instructions to access it, refer to the section below, titled "How Can You Get More 

Information?"

LEGAL REPRESENTATION

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The court has appointed Jason H. Kim of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns LLP and 

Aubry Wand of The Wand Law Firm, P.C. to represent the class for purposes of the settlement. You 

have the right to retain your own attorney to represent you in this lawsuit at your own expense, or 

represent yourself without an attorney. Any class member who does not enter an appearance through 

an attorney or on his or her own behalf will automatically be represented by class counsel.

THE COURT WILL HOLD A HEARING in this case on [MONTH DAY, YEAR] at [TIME] in the 

Edward J. Schwartz Federal Courthouse, United States District Court for the Southern District of 

California, before the Honorable M. James Lorenz, in Courtroom 5B, Edward J. Schwartz U.S. 

Courthouse, located at 221 West Broadway, San Diego, California 92101., to The court will consider 

certification of this lawsuit as a class action for settlement purposes, whether to approve the proposed 

settlement as fair, reasonable, and adequate, and whether to grant the motion for attorney's fees and 

costs final approval of the settlement, payment of attorneys’ fees and expenses of up to $650,000 to 

lawyers Cclass clounsel, and enhancement payments of up to $5,000 for to each of the three named 

plaintiffs for their assistance in this lawsuit on behalf of the class. The motion(s) by Class Counsel for 

attorneys' those fees and, costs and enhancement payments service awards will be available for review 

before you decide whether to exclude yourself or object on the Settlement website after they are filed. 

For instructions how to access it, refer to the section below, titled "How Can You Get More 

Information?" The Court has appointed Jason H. Kim of Schneider Wallace Cottrell Konecky Wotkyns 

LLP and Aubry Wand of The Wand Law Firm, P.C. to represent the Class. You may appear at the 

hearing, but you don’t have to. If you do not appear, you will be represented by class counsel. 

The court may change the date and/or time of the hearing and/or the matter may be submitted on the 

briefs without further notice. If you are planning to attend, you should confirm the date and time in 

advance.

HOW CAN YOU GET MORE INFORMATION?

For more information, and to obtain copies of the full-length notice of the class action settlement, the 

Amended Settlement Agreement and other documents filed in this lawsuit, you can visit the settlement 

website www.shoesettlement.com, call toll free (844) 271-4789, write to Heffler Claims Group, Re: 

Dashnaw, et al. v. New Balance Athletics, Inc., P.O. Box 42220, Philadelphia, PA 19101-2220, or 

contact the Cclass Ccounsel at the information listed on the settlement website. 

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