Cree Beats Class Status in Another Lightbulb Marketing Challenge

Cree Inc., now Wolfspeed Inc., defeated a consumer’s bid for class certification in a suit contesting the marketing of energy efficient LED lightbulbs, as a federal court in New York said the plaintiff failed to identify a common product defect.

Stephanie Wedra alleged she and others overpaid for the light emitting diode bulbs based on false statements, including that Cree’s products would yield better efficiency than competitor products, and a promise of 100% consumer satisfaction over a 10-year period.

The bulbs were defective and went dark within six months, she alleged. Wedra sought injunctive relief and money damages on ...