The Bottom Line The 2022 Commercials Contract increases session, usage, and pension & health fees, but by the lowest incremental amount in over a decade. Fee caps, a simplified compensation structure and unlimited editing rights balance out these increases by offering savings in other areas Continue Reading
FTC Seeks Public Comment on Proposed Updates to Endorsement Guides
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 Two federal judges in New York City have dismissed putative consumer class actions alleging deceptive marketing in connection with snacks and baked goods. The judges held that a reasonable consumer would understand that the products’ use of “butter” in their names, when viewed Continue Reading
FTC Dings Coloring Book App for Drawing Outside COPPA Privacy Lines
The Bottom Line The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently announced a settlement with Kuuhuub Inc., the operator of an online coloring book app, along with its Finnish subsidiaries Kuu Hubb Oy and Recolor Oy, for violations of the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA). The FTC Continue Reading
FTC Can No Longer Seek Monetary Penalties for Violations of Unfair or Deceptive Practices
The Bottom Line The Supreme Court has found that the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) can no longer rely on Section 13(b) of the Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act) in order to seek monetary penalties for violations of Section 5 of the FTC Act for “unfair methods of competition” and “unfair or Continue Reading
Marijuana Legalization Has Other States Green with Envy
The Bottom Line New York became the 15th state to legalize recreational marijuana this March, following the lead of New Jersey and three other states where voters approved legalizing recreational marijuana this past November. In a year where states are seeking tax revenue wherever they can get Continue Reading
Subscription-Based Marketers Should Prepare for NY’s New Automatic Renewal Law
The Bottom Line As more and more marketers take to the Internet to provide goods and services in this post-pandemic era, subscription-based offerings are on the rise. With the click of a mouse, consumers can get everything from vitamins, to wine, to work out gear on an auto-recurring basis. Continue Reading