A summary of Southern California-related business litigation developments during the past week.

Employee Electronic Mail: A class-action suit was filed against Epson America Inc. by employees claiming that the maker of computer equipment illegally tapped their electronic computer mail. The Los Angeles Superior Court suit alleges invasion of privacy and was filed by four current or former Epson employees who claim that a company manager illegally and “systematically printed up and read” all E-mail entering and leaving the company’s Torrance location, where about 700 employees have access to computer mail. The suit claims that Epson violated the state Penal Code and seeks unstated damages. (Filed July 31, 1990. Case No. BC007036)