Caterpillar Seeks Dismissal of Conspiracy and Aiding and Abetting Claims

CLEVELAND -- Caterpillar has filed a motion for summary judgment in the Welding Fume Products Liability Litigation MDL, contending that the company's attendance at trade association meetings does not justify the aiding and abetting claims asserted against it. In Re: Welding Fume Products Liability Litigation MDL, MDL No. 1535 (N.D. Ohio).

Saying that for years it has been "mired in a litigation in which it does not belong," Caterpillar seeks summary judgment in its Feb. 7 motion filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Ohio.

"Plaintiffs' claims not only fail on threshold legal issues like lack …