Last week, the Department of Justice (“DOJ”) together with the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced a new civil lawsuit filed against St. Louis-based chiropractor Eric Anthony Nepute and his company, Quickwork LLC, alleging that they deceptively marketed products containing vitamin D and zinc as scientifically proven to treat or prevent COVID-19. This is the first
COVID-19
LA Sues Seller of “Must-Have” Radish Paste that Falsely Claims to Prevent COVID-19
By Kathyleen O'Brien & Erika Auger on
Last week, the Los Angeles City Attorney’s office filed a civil lawsuit against KNature Co., Inc. d/b/a Insan Healing, Inc. (Insan), a Los Angeles-based herbal remedy retailer, for attempting to pass off an untested radish paste as an immune-boosting, “must-have product for the protection and prevention” of COVID-19.
The product is made from a combination…
John Feldman and Jason Gordon discuss COVID-19 Charity Marketing and Compliance Challenges for brands in Law360 Article
By John P. Feldman & Jason Gordon on
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.
The Tokyo 2020 Olympics will still go forward… in 2021
By Jillian Burstein & Jason Gordon on
This week, the International Olympic Committee announced that the upcoming Tokyo Games would be postponed until next summer due to the novel coronavirus, COVID-19. Even though the event will take place in the summer of 2021, the IOC announced that the event will still retain the name “Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020”. By retaining…
COVID-19 Legal Impact on Brand Advertising and Marketing
By Douglas J. Wood & Keri S. Bruce on
The unprecedented disruption caused by the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic has created challenges for brands. Temporary and perhaps permanent changes to advertising and marketing strategies and executions have occurred and will continue to impact brands.
On Tuesday, March 31, 2020, Douglas Wood and Keri Bruce, partners at Reed Smith LLP, the ANA’s General Counsel…
Trademark applications for COVID-19 and CORONAVIRUS surge at the USPTO
By Jillian Burstein & Jason Gordon on
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office is no stranger to receiving a flood of trademark applications following a news or pop culture event: from President Trump’s accidental tweet of “Covfefe” to the creation of the slogan “Boston Strong” following the 2013 Boston Marathon bombings, trademark applicants often try and capitalize on these events in order…