The Ninth Circuit affirmed the dismissal of a class-action lawsuit that alleged Trader Joe’s Manuka Honey product labeling was misleading. Trader Joe’s marketed its store brand Manuka honey as “100% New Zealand Manuka Honey” or “New Zealand Manuka Honey.” Plaintiffs claimed that these labels were misleading because the honey only consisted of between 57.3% and … Continue Reading
This CLE webinar offers a unique, inside look at how BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division (NAD) evaluates medical devices and other health-related products and services. Our panelists will engage in a lively discussion of recent enforcement trends and challenges for manufacturers, and how companies can effectively use the NAD framework to their advantage. In … Continue Reading
The illusive secondary market for tickets to live events from concerts and theater performances to sporting events may be experiencing a new step towards reform. The Federal Trade Commission took legal action against three New York-based ticket brokers and an officer of each entity for violating the Better Online Ticket Sales (“BOTS”) Act. In 2016, … Continue Reading
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has settled with mobile advertiser Tapjoy, Inc. (“Tapjoy”) over allegations that it misled consumers by failing to provide in-game rewards that users earned by completing its advertising offers. According to the FTC’s complaint, Tapjoy offered users in-game virtual currency for completing advertising offers like purchasing products or services, signing up … Continue Reading
The FTC recently approved a final consent order against home product and kitchen ware company, Williams-Sonoma, Inc. Under the order (available here), Williams-Sonoma is required to pay $1 million to the FTC in connection with charges that it made false, misleading, or unsubstantiated “Made in USA” claims. The FTC first announced its compliant in March … Continue Reading
Hollywood movie star Reese Witherspoon and her clothing line, Draper James, LLC, have found themselves the subjects of a public relations debacle, and now, a class action after running a promotion for teachers that has gone horribly wrong. To read more about the implications of advertising and promotion rules and the impact of the California … Continue Reading
For those following the fallout from the Fyre Festival, the drama continues. Last week, model and influencer Kendall Jenner settled a bankruptcy lawsuit for $90,000 relating to her promotion of the Festival. To refresh your memory, Fyre Festival was planned for spring 2017, advertised as a music and culinary paradise held on a private island … Continue Reading
John Feldman and Jason Gordon published an article in Law360 this week titled, “Compliance Challenges In Cos.’ COVID-19 Charity Marketing.” A copy of the article is available here. You may also view a PDF copy of the article here.… Continue Reading
The FTC recently settled with Teami, LLC (“Teami”), an indication that the Agency is still actively reviewing health claims and monitoring social media influencers for proper disclosures. Teami allegedly brought in over $15 million through its deceptive marketing tactics, but given the company’s financial condition, the FTC agreed to partially suspend its $15.2 million judgment … Continue Reading
On February 13, 2020, the German Federal Ministry of Justice and Consumer Protection (BMJV) published a proposal to soften the regulatory requirements for influencers for labeling their posts as advertising (Proposal). Under the Proposal, statements posted on social media about products for which no consideration was given – either in the form of monetary compensation … Continue Reading
On 9 September 2019, the German Federal Ministry of Economic Cooperation and Development (Bundesministerium für wirtschaftliche Zusammenarbeit und Entwicklung – BMZ) introduced a new, state-regulated environmental label for “Green Button” (Grüner Knopf) certified textiles with a press release. The BMZ also launched the official Green Button website, which is available in German at www.gruener-knopf.de. To … Continue Reading
