Uncategorized
Back to School: Lessons in Truthful Advertising
September 5, 2012Like other mothers across the country, my back-to-school ritual last week included a visit to Staples to shop for school supplies. Who would not be lured by “easy” shopping but more importantly “free” highlighters? Indeed, the “free” highlighters were of particular interest to me as a mother, but they were also of equal interest to me as an advertising lawyer.
Read More...Legal Concerns in Designing Restaurant Menus
August 22, 2012Many states regulate offering specific foods in restaurants. There is little consistency from state to state, resulting in a morass of legal regulations that affects restaurants’ menu options.
Read More...Legal Lessons from Nutrisystem’s Pinterest Testimonial Campaign
July 16, 2012On July 12, 2012, the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (NAD) completed its review of Nutrisystem, Inc.’s Pinterest campaign entitled “Real consumers. Real success.” The NAD’s press release announced that Nutrisystem’s weight loss success profiles constituted consumer testimonials and should be in compliance with the FTC Endorsement and Testimonial Guidelines.
Read More...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.
Read More...