Abbott Laboratories v. Super. Ct.

Summary

The court held that the Unfair Competition Law does not geographically limit a district attorney’s authority to seek civil penalties and restitution for violations occurring outside the district attorney’s county, so long as the action is properly pleaded and venue is proper. The court found that the statute’s broad text, structure, purpose, and legislative history do not impose such a limitation, and that the state Constitution does not require the Attorney General’s consent. The court reversed the Court of Appeal and remanded for further proceedings.