Consumer Protection Review
Consumer Protection Review
Consumer Protection Review helps businesses that market and sell to consumers navigate federal and state legal issues related to advertising, privacy, promotions, products liability, government investigations, unfair competition, class actions and general consumer protection.
NAD Uses Monitoring to Discourage Misleading COVID-19 Health Claims
As part of its routine monitoring program, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recently announced several decisions involving social media posts that advertised products as having health benefits that could help protect against COVID-19.
FTC’s COVID-19 Response: Latest Developments
Last week, the FTC sent another 50 warning letters related to COVID-19 advertising claims, adding to the growing list of FTC warnings and actions intended to address false and deceptive marketing during the pandemic.
FTC Stops Online Subscription Service Offering “Free” Trials with Hidden Terms
A global marketer who charged consumers after they signed up for "free trials" has settled with the FTC. The FTC alleged that the defendants made $74 million by enrolling customers for paid subscriptions of cosmetics and dietary supplements without their consent.
ESRB Issues Labeling Requirement for Video Games Containing Loot Boxes
The ESRB, and it's European equivalent PEGI, have issued new labeling requirements for video games containing loot boxes or other types of in-game purchases with randomized elements.
Fashion Nova Settles with FTC for $9.3 Million for Alleged Violations of the Mail Order Rule
Notable Ruling: No Jury for False Advertising and UCL Suits, California Supreme Court Rules
California courts remain a top forum for food litigation matters. So many matters are heard in the Northern District of California that it has gained a reputation as the "Food Court."
More FTC Civil Enforcement for COVID-19 and CBD Cancer Treatment Claims
On April 28, 2020, the FTC announced a preliminary order in a civil enforcement action against a supplement manufacturer that allegedly made false and unsubstantiated claims regarding COVID-19 and cancer.
National Advertising Division Launches Fast-Track Swift Process
On April 2, 2020 the National Advertising Division (NAD) launched its Fast-Track SWIFT (Single Well-defined Issue Fast Track) resolution process, promising to resolve single-issue cases in 20 business days.
$1 Million Settlement Announced in FTC’s “Made in USA” Enforcement Against Williams-Sonoma
The FTC has announced a settlement with furniture and houseware seller Williams-Sonoma, requiring it to cease making unsubstantiated "Made in USA" claims about its products and pay $1 million to the FTC.
Industry Insights: Consumer Products Companies Reconfiguring Production Lines to Meet New COVID-19 Needs
Consumers' response to COVID-19 has led to increased demand for personal protective equipment and other much-needed supplies to aid consumers and healthcare professionals in the fight against the disease.
FTC Sends More Warning Letters Regarding Unsupported Coronavirus Prevention and Treatment Claims
The FTC recently sent another round of warning letters to ten sellers related to advertising claims that their products treat or prevent COVID-19.
Private Companies and Government Regulators Crack Down on Coronavirus-related Price Gouging
Two brothers in Tennessee made national news in early March after cleaning out local stores of products in high demand because of COVID-19 in order to sell them for exorbitant prices on online marketplaces.
FTC Statement On Coronavirus Enforcement
On March 26th Federal Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman, Joe Simons, issued a statement regarding the FTC's continuing efforts to protect consumers during the coronavirus pandemic.
FDA Issues COVID-19 Food Safety Guidance for Food Manufacturers
In light of the COVID-19 pandemic, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has announced several steps to maintain the safe supply of food while adjusting the regulatory burden on food manufacturers.
FDA & FTC Issue Warning Letters Regarding Unsupported COVID-19 Claims
The FDA and FTC recently issued joint warning letters to seven sellers of products that claimed to treat or prevent "Novel Coronavirus Disease 2019," known as COVID-19.