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

Allstate Sues Over Alleged Conspiracy: Allstate Insurance Co. filed suit Thursday, claiming that it is not obliged to defend or indemnify a woman accused of conspiring to kill her husband. The U.S. District Court suit, filed in Los Angeles, says Cynthia Lyerla of Santa Barbara was sued by her mother-in-law for conspiring to murder Harold Lyerla. A man was convicted of the murder, but Cynthia Lyerla has not been charged. The mother-in-law and Cynthia Lyerla claim that Allstate must defend the widow under her mobile home policy. Allstate claims that the policy does not cover intentional acts. (Filed June 7, 1990. Case No. 90-2938)