U.K. Plaintiffs Oppose Merck's Forum Non Conveniens Motion to Dismiss

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. - Residents of the United Kingdom have opposed Merck's motion to dismiss under forum non conveniens all Vioxx-related claims brought in New Jersey by non-U.S. residents, saying that Merck has failed to demonstrate that the U.K. is an adequate alternative forum. In Re: Vioxx Litigation, Case No. 619 (N.J. Super. Ct., Atlantic Cty.).

The Feb. 10 memorandum in support of plaintiffs' opposition, filed in Atlantic County Superior Court, states that the U.K. plaintiffs' choice of forum in New Jersey is not demonstrably inappropriate or designed to subject Merck to 'harassment and vexation.' The plaintiffs contend that New …