Pacific Bell Avoids Injunction

In a major victory for Pacific Bell, Alameda County Superior Court Judge Henry Needham Jr. refused to grant a preliminary injunction that would have forced the phone company to alter its sales practices. The ruling stemmed from a fraud lawsuit filed last month by district attorneys from Alameda, Monterey and San Mateo counties. The complaint accused the company of using false and misleading advertising and illegal business practices to boost sales of add-on services. However, the judge said the Superior Court lacked the jurisdiction to address the matter.