As it does every spring, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has released its annual report. The new report, which covers 2012, makes clear that the FTC remains as focused as ever on health-related advertising – especially where advertising allegedly promotes products for weight loss or …
Somewhat later than anticipated, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) has published a revised version of its guide, .Com Disclosures. The FTC released the original guide 13 years ago, when mobile phones had not yet met the internet and social media barely existed. In the new version …
By Riëtte van Laack – As we previously reported in January 2013, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) determined that POM Wonderful, LLC’s advertising for its products violated the FTC Act and issued a cease and desist order restraining POM’s future advertising. On March 8, 2013, POM filed …
By John R. Fleder & Riëtte van Laack – On January 16th, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) issued the long-anticipated Decision and Final Order in the FTC’s administrative case filed in 2010 against POM Wonderful LLC, Roll Global LLC, Stewart A. Resnick, Lynda Rae Resnick, and …
By Riëtte van Laack – Earlier this week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced the settlement of a $3.7 million civil penalty case against Jason Pharmaceuticals (“Jason”), a subsidiary of Medifast Inc., for allegedly violating a 1992 FTC Order regarding weight loss claims. According to the …
By Carmelina G. Allis – If you are a mobile app developer, be sure to review the FTC’s newly published guidelines on truth-in-advertising and privacy principles, “Marketing Your Mobile App, Get it Right from the Start.” They apply to you, whether you are a start-up …
By John R. Fleder – We have previously reported about the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC”) case against POM Wonderful, the maker of pomegranate juice (here, here, here, and here). In the world of FTC advertising cases, this litigation is certainly “big league” litigation. On September 27, 2010, the …
Hyman, Phelps & McNamara, P.C. is pleased to announce that Anne Walsh will moderate a panel on “Trends and Priorities in Enforcement” at this year’s Food and Drug Law Institute’s (“FDLI”) Advertising and Promotion Conference. The conference will be held in Washington, DC on October …
By Riëtte van Laack – As we previously reported, the United States District Court for the Southern District of Florida denied the Federal Trade Commission’s (“FTC’s”) motion to hold Garden of Life and its founder, Jordan S. Rubin (collectively “GOL”) in contempt for allegedly violating a court-issued …
By Jennifer M. Thomas – Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) hosted a workshop entitled “In Short: Advertising and Privacy Disclosures in a Digital World.” The workshop was intended to explore whether the FTC needs to revise its online advertising disclosure guidelines (“Dot Com Disclosures”), …
By Riëtte van Laack – On May 21, 2012, the FTC posted the 345-page Administrative Law Judge’s ("ALJ’s") Initial Decision in In the Matter of POM Wonderful LLC et al. ("POM") (FTC Docket No. 9344). The ALJ upheld the FTC’s Complaint insofar as the FTC asserted …
By Jennifer M. Thomas & John R. Fleder – Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced a $40 million settlement with Skechers USA, Inc. (“Skechers” or “the Company”) to resolve charges that the Company made deceptive and unfounded claims that its Shape-up sneakers would help …
By Cassandra A. Soltis – Earlier this year, we reported on the Interagency Working Group’s (“IWG’s”) proposed voluntary principles for marketing food to children. The IWG includes representatives from the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the Food and Drug Administration, …
By Cassandra A. Soltis – Last week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced a settlement with Reebok International Ltd. (“Reebok” or “the Company”) for charges that the Company disseminated false and misleading advertisements for its EasyTone and RunTone shoes. The FTC’s Complaint alleged, among other things, …
By Cassandra A. Soltis – In response to the Food and Drug Administration’s (“FDA’s”) proposed rule on nutrition labeling of standard menu items in restaurants and similar retail food establishments, members of the U.S. Senate and House of Representatives have requested that FDA exclude grocery stores …
