From Products Liability Law Daily, August 5, 2014

Star Networks recalls Magnicubes as part of settlement agreement

By Pamela C. Maloney, J.D.

Star Networks USA LLC, of West New York, New Jersey, has announced a voluntary recall of all Magnicube Spheres and Magnicube Cubes in order to provide refunds to purchasers. The recall of these high-powered magnetic sets is part of the settlement of an administrative case filed by CPSC staff in December 2012, which sought a mandatory recall of the Magnicube products. The settlement resolves CPSC staff’s allegations that the Magnicube Spheres and Magnicube Cubes create a substantial product hazard. Star disputed these allegations, but has agreed to the recall in settlement of the allegations in the complaint (CPSC News Release No. 14-248, August 4, 2014).

Incidents and injuries. From 2009 to the present, CPSC staff has received numerous incident reports of ingestions involving small, high-powered magnets, including many that required surgery. This recall is intended to protect children and teenagers from the deadly risk of injury that can occur when more than one magnet is ingested.

Product description. Magnicube Spheres and Magnicube Cubes sets contain from 125 to 1,027 high-powered rare earth magnets. About 22,000 sets of these Magnicube products, which were made in China, were sold for between $20 and $80 on magnicube.com, Amazon.com and via Groupon.

Remedy. Star has agreed to provide a full refund to consumers who return a full set of Magnicube Cubes or Magnicube Spheres. Consumers who return less than a full set shall receive a refund that is prorated based on the percentage of magnets returned.

Customer contact: Consumers should contact the firm at www.magnicube.com to request a refund.

Companies: Star Networks USA LLC

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