John G. Papianou

Partner

215-772-7389

jpapianou@mmwr.com

New York, Philadelphia, Cherry Hill

John G. Papianou is chair of the Consumer Financial Services Practice Group and a member of the firm’s Management Committee. He concentrates his practice in complex civil litigation, with particular emphasis on consumer class actions involving claims under federal and state consumer protection statutes. He has counseled and represented numerous clients in class actions across the country, including Microsoft, Tommy Hilfiger, Verifone, PVH Corp., Fitness International, LLC, and Walmart.

John has extensive experience briefing significant and novel class action issues at the trial and appellate levels. He obtained a favorable decision from the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit that is now frequently cited by courts and defendants in cases brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. He also recently obtained a notable ruling from a federal district court in which it shifted to plaintiffs the cost to comply with class certification discovery.

In addition to his class action experience, John has substantial experience defending consumer reporting agencies against claims brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act (“FCRA”).  As counsel to some of the largest consumer reporting agencies in the country, he has handled hundreds of FCRA matters and successfully resolved them all.

He also serves as an editor of the firm's Ahead of the Class blog, which focuses on issues related to class action defense, addressing current cases and decisions, trends, and strategies associated with class action law.

John received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania School of Law in 2001. He graduated from Long Island University, summa cum laude, with a B.A. in 1996.

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Credentials

Selected Representations
  • MFW Wine v. Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board – Obtained a declaratory relief and the issuance of a writ of mandamus against the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board in the first virtual, live-streamed evidentiary proceeding in Pennsylvania.
  • Titeflex Corporation – Represents manufacturer of tubing in putative class actions brought in several states. Has obtained orders granting motions to dismiss in all cases, including a First Circuit affirmance.
  • Shiyan v. Lucille Roberts Health Clubs, Inc. – Represented Lucille Roberts in putative class action brought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Favorably settled case on individual basis after Lucille Roberts moved for summary judgment.
  • Addison Automatics, Inc. v. The RTC Group, et al. – Represented Microsoft in putative class action brought under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA). Favorably settled case on individual basis.
  • Fortune 100 Retailer – Represented international Fortune 100 retailer in putative class action asserting claims under New Jersey’s Consumer Fraud Act. Obtained published decision from the Third Circuit vacating order of the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey granting a motion for class certification. Following the Third Circuit’s Order, the client moved for summary judgment, which the court granted.
  • Boeynaems v. LA Fitness, International, LLC – Represented LA Fitness International, LLC in putative nationwide class involving claims under the Florida Deceptive and Unfair Trade Practices Act and the Washington Consumer Protection Act. Received favorable ruling shifting costs associated with class certification discovery to plaintiffs. 285 F.R.D. 331 (E.D. Pa. 2012).
  • Blackthorn Partners, L.P. v. John C. Malone – Represented Blackthorn Partners in shareholder class action against John Malone and others arising out of the merger of Liberty Entertainment, Inc. and DirecTV. Settled case on favorable terms for client.
  • Fleisher v. Fiber Composites, LLC – Represents manufacturer of outdoor decking in putative nationwide products liability class action alleging defects in decking and asserting claims under various state consumer protection statutes. Case is ongoing.
  • Long v. Tommy Hilfiger USA, Inc. – Represented Tommy Hilfiger USA, Inc. in putative nationwide class involving claims brought under the Fair Credit Reporting Act. District court granted Hilfiger’s motion to dismiss and the Third Circuit affirmed. 671 F.3d 371 (3d Cir. 2012).
  • In re Xbox 360 Scratched Disc Litigation – Represented Microsoft in putative nationwide products liability class action alleging defects in the Xbox 360 console. Court denied class certification in October 2009, and the Ninth Circuit denied review on Jan. 21, 2010. In re Xbox 360 Scratched Disc Litig., 2009 WL 481325 (W.D. Wash. 2009). Case settled on favorable terms on individual basis. (W.D. Wash. 2010).
Selected Speaking Engagements
Selected Publications
Honors & Awards
  • Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers list for 2019-2023. The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters and a description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the highest court of any other state.
  • Selected to the Pennsylvania Super Lawyers Rising Stars list for 2005-2006, 2008 and 2010-2013. The Super Lawyers list is issued by Thomson Reuters and a description of the selection methodology can be found here. No aspect of this advertisement has been approved by the Supreme Court of New Jersey or the highest court of any other state.
Professional Activities
  • Treasurer, American Hellenic Lawyers Association
Community Involvement
  • Ex Officio Member of Board of Trustees, Curtis Institute of Music
  • John is also an avid CrossFitter and frequently competes in local competitions
Education

Law School

  • University of Pennsylvania Law School

Undergraduate School

  • Long Island University