Securities litigation refers to lawsuits filed by persons or entities who bought or sold publicly-traded securities (tradable financial assets such as stocks and bonds). These lawsuits are often filed as class actions, with one or a few plaintiffs purporting to represent all persons and entities who bought or sold a company’s stocks, bonds, or other securities during a certain time period (class period). Securities lawsuits are typically based on violations of the securities laws, and allege misleading statements or omissions of material facts.

In Oregon, securities litigation is governed by both federal and state laws. Federal laws such as the Securities Act of 1933 and the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 provide the basis for most securities litigation, addressing issues like fraud, misrepresentation, and insider trading. These laws allow investors to file lawsuits if they have been misled by companies in which they have invested. The Oregon Securities Law also plays a role, providing additional regulations and remedies at the state level. Class action lawsuits are common in securities litigation, enabling a group of plaintiffs to sue on behalf of all investors who were similarly affected during a specified period, known as the 'class period.' These lawsuits typically allege that the company made false or misleading statements or failed to disclose important information, impacting the value of the securities. Plaintiffs in these cases seek to recover financial losses resulting from the alleged violations.