June 2012
Why Brands Need to Conduct Background Checks Before Choosing Their Sweepstakes and Contest Winners
June 26, 2012Are you choosing a fan to reward in a social media sweepstakes or contest? Many advertisers find it useful to investigate the background and history of the potential winners for criminal or unsavory backgrounds before awarding the prize. Because social media leaves the brand so exposed to negative public relations, contestant vetting is a vital due diligence step. As the attorney drafting the promotions’ rules, I may collaborate with a private investigator on these issues.
Read More...Sugary Soda Ban in NYC: Rational but Unreasonable
June 12, 2012I rarely feel compelled to give my opinion publicly, but this one has me fuming. Mayor Bloomberg of New York City wants to ban supersized soda and sugary beverages sold at restaurants, delis, food carts, movie theaters, and arenas. The ban would apply to any container holding more than 16 ounces, and if passed by the NYC’s Board of Health, could go into effect as early as March, 2013. Violators would face fines.
Read More...Marketing Promoting Products’ Health Benefits Needs Annual Checkup
June 5, 2012For marketers of health foods and food-derived products, supplements, nutraceutical products, and weight loss products, these are dangerous times. Many of these marketers tout their products’ health benefits in advertising. In the past two years, however, we have seen and increase in challenges to such advertising from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), state Attorneys-General, class action lawsuits, and watchdog group and industry lawsuits.
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