The Bottom Line FTC guidance continues to evolve as new forms of marketing gain popularity. Companies should do all they can to align their endorsement practices with the FTC’s proposed guidance — including with regard to social media, influencers and consumer reviews. Interested Continue Reading
Don’t Be Bamboozled by Environmental Benefit Claims
$5.5 Million FTC Settlements for Bamboo Textile and Environmental Benefit Claims Under Penalty Offense Authority The Bottom Line These settlements illustrate how the FTC intends to use its Penalty Offense Authority. Sellers of “bamboo” textile products should review product claims, and ensure Continue Reading
What To Consider When Launching a Cause Marketing Campaign
The Bottom Line Cause marketing campaigns are an excellent way to leverage a brand’s marketing infrastructure to make a difference in the world, especially when the campaigns benefit a cause as closely followed as the humanitarian crisis in Ukraine. By following all appropriate laws and best Continue Reading
Zero Stars: FTC and NAD Will Not Permit Consumer Review Suppression
The Bottom Line The FTC’s guidance for marketers, online retailers and review platforms emphasizes the need for truthfulness in the collection, moderation and publication of consumer reviews.“Suppression” of negative reviews may qualify as a deceptive practice and alleged “suppressors” could face Continue Reading
You Can Believe It’s Not Butter: NY Judges Dismiss “Butter” Class Actions
The Bottom Line Courts will look to product packaging and advertising as a whole when evaluating whether those materials can support a false advertising or deceptive trade practices claim, unless the package or advertisement includes a prominent statement or description that is unambiguously Continue Reading
FTC Dings Coloring Book App for Drawing Outside COPPA Privacy Lines
The Bottom Line Even if part of an online service is directed to children, providers must comply with COPPA by sending notice and obtaining parental/guardian consent before collecting any personal information from children under 13 years of age.Operators of apps and online services that are Continue Reading
FTC Can No Longer Seek Monetary Penalties for Violations of Unfair or Deceptive Practices
The Bottom Line The Supreme Court’s decision took away one of the FTC’s most valuable tools in enforcing Section 5 of the FTC Act, and may take a toll on monetary relief that the FTC can obtain in the near term.However, between the FTC’s other monetary remedies and proposals in Congress to codify Continue Reading
Marijuana Legalization Has Other States Green with Envy
The Bottom Line In less than a decade, marijuana has gone from illegal to legal in a plurality of states, and the push for legalization is only strengthening.Although opportunities abound for the marketing industry in the marijuana industry, there are still legal risks to manage. Agencies Continue Reading
Subscription-Based Marketers Should Prepare for NY’s New Automatic Renewal Law
The Bottom Line The New York Automatic Renewal Law (ARL) has arrived, and it covers B2C subscription contracts.Marketers offering New York consumers goods or services on a subscription or automatic renewal basis should review their negative option/auto-renewal program practices to ensure Continue Reading
American Bar Association Webinar | You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! NAD at 50 and a Look Back at Advertising Self-Regulation
On January 27, Davis+Gilbert chairman Ron Urbach will speak during a roundtable panel titled, “You’ve Come a Long Way, Baby! NAD at 50 and a Look Back at Advertising Self-Regulation” hosted by the American Bar Association. Session Overview This session will discuss key topics such Continue Reading