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People of the State of California v. Ralph Ginzburg, et al. , 1977-1978

 File

Scope and Contents

This case was brought by Evelle J. Younger, California Attorney General, on behalf of the public interest of the people of the State of California. It is brought against a fraudulent New York City-based media company called "Avant Garde Media, Inc.", which makes and distributes Webster's Dictionaries, encyclopedias, as well as publishing a biweekly magazine called "Moneysworth." They do business in California. They were charged with "unlawful, unfair, or fraudulent business practices in violation of Civil Code section 3369," including charging above market value for goods, failing to deliver them, and misrepresenting these goods. They also promised a bonus of erotic drawings by Picasso free to all subscribers, which they failed to deliver.

The People sought a preliminary injunction requiring the company to deliver the merchandise, refund the customers, and generally requiring them to abide by fair and reasonable business practices. The People were successful.

Dates

  • 1977-1978

Access Restrictions

Some case files in this series are restricted.

Extent

From the Sub-Series: 42.5 linear feet (33 record storage cartons and 3 legal document boxes)

Language of Materials

English

Repository Details

Part of the California Historical Society Repository

Contact:
678 Mission Street
San Francisco CA 94105