Paavana L. Kumar

“Clients want a dedicated attorney who genuinely cares about the success of their business, who understands that there are sometimes benefits to taking risks, and who can deliver practical advice with enthusiasm and humor.”

Paavana Kumar helps major advertisers and retailers assess risk as they create compelling campaigns, run high-exposure promotions and streamline the online customer experience. She partners with them to navigate cutting-edge “social commerce” issues, where her experience is a particular asset to clients seeking to leverage influencer talent, engage more creatively on social media, and reimagine their online e-commerce and subscription programs.

Paavana’s ability to assess problems and provide quick, efficient risk assessments enables her to work effectively with companies across industries, especially those pursuing a deeper e-tail focus. She is a sounding board and trusted advisor for C-suite executives and general counsel when making high-stakes judgment calls about social media opportunities, FTC disclosure requirements and major changes to their business models.

As many clients move toward subscription programs, Paavana’s knowledge of the highly regulated automatic renewal and negative option laws across all 50 states, together with a deep understanding of the regulatory focus on “dark patterns,” enables her to help companies draft transparent marketing disclosures and design compliant user flows. She also advises on high profile consumer promotions, including sweepstakes, contests, loyalty rewards and gift cards, cause marketing and donation programs, text message and email marketing, and major entertainment and sports collaborations

Whether she’s counseling on a discrete issue or working with global legal teams for clearance for an international campaign, Paavana delivers practical advice customized to companies at all stages of growth — from start-ups to established major retailers and brands. She is a recognized thought leader who frequently speaks and writes about leading-edge e-commerce and influencer marketing topics for in-house counsel and industry stakeholders.

Advised a major American fashion retailer of accessories marketed to preteens in connection with all aspects of a new global branded metaverse experience hosted on Roblox. Provided innovative solutions to navigate various legal challenges, from IP and trademark clearance and privacy roadblocks to structuring interactive gamification experiences on the platform, including sweepstakes, promotions, crowdsourced giveaways, use of virtual influencers and loyalty rewards programs, and crafting digital disclosures appropriate to this emerging space.
Assisted a major rideshare app in connection with the roll-out of its new subscription program. Advised on all elements of the company’s agreements with various technology and finance partners and worked directly with the client team on implementing important changes to the online automatic renewal user sign-up flow.
Advise a major plant-based food and beverage company in connection with all online, OOH and social media advertising, including by negotiating high profile celebrity talent and influencer agreements for the company’s launch on TikTok, as well as associated endorsement and testimonials, SAG and music licensing advice.
Advising a world-renowned auction house on novel gift card and escheat issues in support of its upcoming sale and auction of NFTs redeemable for experiences and other rewards. This auction house is one of the first among blue chip auction houses to engage in this type of cutting edge promotion.
Assisted a major hardware and software consumer products category transition from a hardware to a software-as-a-service model, involving a total rehaul of all B2B and B2C user flows and terms and conditions and an audit of subscription practices.
Structured a new subscription and automatic renewal program for a nationwide cosmetics subscription box service that experienced a surge in sales during the pandemic. Advised on a program that facilitates donations to charities benefitting first responders and other frontline workers, helping the client comply with charitable solicitation laws and associated registration requirements, including sign-up processes and disclosures.
Provided comprehensive advice to a major drone and technology manufacturer with respect to its planned roll-out of a potential direct-to-consumer racing drone. Advised the client on its terms and conditions and sales policies, as well as the regulatory landscape applicable to its e-commerce business, GDPR and other international privacy concerns, the use of brand ambassadors, fundraising via social platforms, and packaging and labeling.
Helped a home security company transition from its door-to-door business model to an entirely online business model in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This included creating e-commerce terms for its updated website, reviewing its online automatic renewal terms and sale disclosures, and advising on how the door-to-door and other home security laws impact its online businesses.

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Areas of Focus

Areas of Focus

Overview

Representative Experience

Insights + Events

Credentials

Education

Distinctions

Bar Admissions

Associations