Gross et al. v. The German Foundation Industrial Initiative et al., etc., Nos. 07-3726 and 07-3727; Third Circuit; opinion by Michel, U.S.C.J.; filed December 10, 2008. Before Judges McKee, Nygaard and Michel. On appeal from the District of New Jersey. [Sat below: Judge Debevoise.] DDS No. 61-8-2462 [45 pp.]
The claims here involve reparations for Nazi-era slave labor, forced labor, appropriation of personal property and dishonored insurance policies. Several German companies came together as the German Foundation Industrial Initiative, which acted as the negotiating arm of the German industry. Representing the claimants were plaintiffs’ attorneys, who had filed the U.S. civil actions. On July 17, 2000, a diplomatic agreement, commonly referred to as the Berlin Accords or the Berlin Agreements, was reached.
