The Bottom Line The FTC’s letters to influencers and marketers highlight the importance of ensuring that "material connections" between influencers and marketers are "clearly and conspicuously" disclosed. Marketers should review their social media marketing policies because failure to comply could Continue Reading
Suit Challenges Jos. A. Bank Clothiers’ “Up to” Percent Off Advertising
The Bottom Line The class action lawsuit against Jos. A. Bank should serve as a reminder to advertisers to carefully consider state laws when advertising "up to" discounts or price ranges. Furthermore, this shows how class actions are serving in a very real capacity to replace regulatory actions. Continue Reading
Enforcing Restrictive Covenants Against Employees Discharged Without Cause
The Bottom Line A bright-line rule that an employer may not enforce restrictive covenants against an employee terminated without cause appears to be re-emerging in New York. But there are potential strategies for employers to secure enforceable post-employment restrictions against an involuntarily Continue Reading
NAD Decision on Challenge to Wegmans’ In-Store Point of Sale Displays Offers Guidance on Grocery Store Price Advertising
The Bottom Line Although the NAD refused to disrupt precedent allowing grocery stores to update their comparative prices on a weekly basis, it left open the possibility that this standard could change upon evidence that retailers check prices more frequently. Retailers should, in all cases, ensure Continue Reading
Trump Affirms Congress’s Repeal of the FCC’s Broadband Privacy Rules
The Bottom Line Last fall, the FCC and FTC both hailed the FCC privacy rules. After the change in administrations, the FCC and FTC both agreed to rescind such rules. Therefore, it remains to be seen how privacy and data security will be regulated going forward. Companies in all industries should Continue Reading
New Rights For New York City Freelancers Effective May 15, 2017
The Bottom Line New York City employers should: (a) review and update template independent contractor agreements to ensure they comply with FIFA; (b) engage with counsel before taking action that could be perceived as retaliatory with regard to a freelancer; and (c) respond in a timely manner to Continue Reading
New Federal Law Protects Consumer Reviews of Products and Services
The Bottom Line Companies that utilize form contracts, including online terms and conditions, to try to prevent consumers from posting negative reviews about its products, services or conduct, should review their contracts immediately to ensure that they are in compliance with the new law and Continue Reading
Claims Against Navient Echo Problems with Subprime Mortgage Loan Servicers
The Bottom Line The allegations in the recent CFPB action against Navient are reminiscent of the abusive tactics that the CFPB alleged subprime mortgage servicers employed against struggling borrowers, which ultimately led to record-setting settlements. Unlike mortgage loan servicers that have had Continue Reading
$500 Million Oculus Verdict Highlights Litigation Risks for Emerging Tech Companies
The Bottom Line Companies developing – or seeking to acquire – new technology must take every precaution to limit their risks before litigation is on the horizon. The full extent and scope of those risks is often not clear without careful analysis. Working with counsel every step of the way can Continue Reading
NAD Action Requiring the Kardashians and Fit Tea to Disclose Their Connections in Social Media Posts
The Bottom Line This NAD case should serve as a reminder that influencers and other endorsers must disclose their material connections on Twitter, Instagram and other social media platforms. This is particularly important when the influencers are well-known celebrities as consumers are likely to Continue Reading