November 2013

We’re all familiar with the classic product demonstrations in television commercials: who hasn’t seen re-enactments of the super-absorbent paper towel, or the dish detergent that cuts through grease with a single drop?

How do we define a demonstration?  Well, a demonstration is just that: a way for advertisers to show the product functioning as it actually would, as objective “proof” of performance.  As such, it is especially important that demonstrations actually consist of a true and accurate portrayal of the product.  When the FTC began bringing enforcement actions concerning advertising demonstrations in 1959, it encountered cases where products or props had been doctored, enhanced or replaced to achieve the desired performance, and the advertiser had not disclosed any modification.  Even if the product claim itself was not false, the issue was that the demonstration was false.   For example, in the early 1990s, Volvo ran an advertisement which showed a monster truck crushing other cars, except for a Volvo station wagon, in order to show that Volvo vehicles would provide superior safety in a collision.  However, the commercial was produced by weakening the competitor vehicles’ roofs and reinforcing the Volvo’s roof, and then subjecting the Volvo to less severe crushing by the truck – none of which was disclosed to consumers.  Subsequently, the FTC issued a consent order requiring Volvo to stop depicting demonstrations that involved undisclosed mock-ups or material alterations to products.Continue Reading Brand Activation Association Marketing Law Conference: Demonstrations

As we interact online, we leave a breadcrumb trail of data – both personally identifiable and anonymized.  This information can be pulled straight from data shared – name, age, or address – or can be extracted from browsing habits and usage patterns.  So what restraints are put in place to stop unchecked collection and use of this data?

One touchstone used by authorities in determining data-related policies and definitions is the concept of “unfairness.”  This term is used prominently in the FTC Act and is part of the fabric of consumer protection in the United States.  In addition, unfairness is being used in policymaking and enforcement efforts to determine what types of data collection, storage or use may be impermissible because conducted or structured in such a way that do not adequately protect consumers from harm.Continue Reading Brand Activation Association Marketing Law Conference – Data and Unfairness

This week, leading lawyers, legislatures and marketers attended the 35th Annual Brand Activation Association (BAA) Marketing Law Conference in Chicago. At BAA I gave a presentation titled, “Journey to the Center of Advertising Law: Knowledge, Insights, and Practical Tips on The Most Important 2013 Advertising Developments.” Over the next few days, I will share with you three video clips from my presentation. Let’s dive into the first one…

How do we determine “reasonable consumer” behavior?  This is an increasingly important question in a world where the consumer population comprises people with differing views, perspectives, education levels, and experiences.  The “reasonable consumer” is crucial in advertising law:  this person interprets advertising, determines what claims are actually being made, decides whether there are any implied claims, decides whether a statement is “puffery,” and helps courts decide whether advertising is ultimately misleading or deceptive.Continue Reading Brand Activation Association Marketing Law Conference – The Reasonable Consumer

The FCC has changed its rules to require “prior express written consent” in order to auto-send commercial calls or texts. Failure to comply can open violators up to private lawsuits, and to damages awards of up to $1,500 per violation.  So what should be done to avoid pricey violations?

First, there needs to be written