My favorite blog post of the year—where I get to assess the best commercials, track the rise in ad costs, and challenge you to identify your favorite celebrity endorsement. This year, demand for ad space was “robust” with...more
2/10/2025
/ Advertising ,
Artificial Intelligence ,
Celebrity Endorsements ,
Endorsements ,
Entertainment Industry ,
Marketing ,
Media ,
Popular ,
Sports ,
Super Bowl ,
Television ,
Television Broadcast Stations
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it had finalized changes to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule to set new requirements around the collection, use, and disclosure of...more
1/28/2025
/ Advertising ,
Consent ,
COPPA ,
Data Collection ,
Data Privacy ,
Data Retention ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Marketing ,
Opt-Outs ,
Personal Information ,
Privacy Laws ,
Safe Harbors
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final rule—dubbed the Junk Fees Rule—to address what it views as deceptive pricing practices that cause harm to consumers and that undercut other honest...more
1/2/2025
/ Advertising ,
Disclosure Requirements ,
Event Tickets ,
Excessive Fees ,
Federal Trade Commission (FTC) ,
Fees ,
Final Rules ,
Goods or Services ,
Hidden Fees ,
Hospitality Industry ,
Marketing ,
Regulatory Reform ,
Short-Term Lease ,
Unfair or Deceptive Trade Practices ,
Vacation Rentals
With Black Friday and Cyber Monday only recently behind us, and with Christmas and New Years’ closing in soon, the deals are endless and consumer spending is amplified. The goal for companies this time of year is not just to...more
The National Advertising Division (NAD) of the Better Business Bureau (BBB) recently reminded advertisers that tout the benefits and health-related features of their products to be mindful of the Federal Trade Commission’s...more
Whether you’re a Taylor Swift die-hard fan or not, you can’t deny that her marketing power is second to none. And not just for her own music and brand promoted by herself.
I am uncertain if anyone has gotten to the bottom...more
In a world where non-compete agreements are being curtailed or outright banned, companies need to enhance their use of other ways to protect their intellectual property and confidential information when their employees leave...more
10/2/2023
/ Brand ,
Competition ,
Confidential Information ,
Documentation ,
Employee Privacy Rights ,
Intellectual Property Protection ,
Marketing ,
Non-Compete Agreements ,
Non-Disparagement Provisions ,
Non-Solicitation Agreements ,
Trade Secrets
Late last week, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced that it had updated its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (“Endorsements Guides”) to clarify guidance for advertisers with...more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is warning companies to “Keep your AI claims in check.” An FTC Business Blog post states that consumers have been primed through generations of stories about inanimate objects coming to life...more
Last week the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) issued a press release stating that it “is putting hundreds of advertisers on notice that they should avoid deceiving consumers with advertisements that make product claims that...more
Would it even be the Super Bowl if there wasn’t a blog post asking about your favorite commercials? Are your top choices dictated by the product, the celebrity, or the content? Did you prefer the spoofs on something familiar...more
Has there been an uptick in lawsuits involving false advertising of inexpensive products? Seems like it, or maybe I’m just paying more attention. The latest one I read about is a class-action lawsuit against the maker of...more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced earlier this month that it is seeking public comments on potential updates to its “Guides for the Use of Environmental Marketing Claims” (“Guides,” also known as “Green Guides”)....more
This week, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and six states filed a lawsuit against rental listing platform Roomster Corp. and its owners based on their posting of fake positive reviews, claiming to offer verified and...more
As a surprise to many, the Washington Redskins recently announced that it will be changing its 87-year old name. This decision comes after recent events that sparked nationwide discussions about race and caused various...more
Something we may never have thought would take off – branded face masks – are now on the rise. With CDC recommendations and state/local orders recommending or even requiring employees (and sometimes even all citizens outside...more
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in dozens or hundreds of city, county, and state stay-at-home/shelter-in-place orders requiring closure of non-essential businesses across the county. Most if not all such orders exempt...more
I only (very briefly) fell for one April Fools’ prank this year. Yesterday the University of Wisconsin tweeted what appeared to be a press release announcing that fans could no longer perform their “Jump Around” tradition at...more
When marketing products or services to children, companies should be aware of applicable statutes and guidance and should be particularly cautious with their advertising claims....more
Failing to have adequate substantiation for advertising claims can land companies in hot water. Case in point: The Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) recently announced that it had settled charges against a company and its CEO...more
The Food & Drug Administration (“FDA”) regulates cancer drugs and devices, both for use by humans and pets. Such drugs and devices must obtain FDA approval or clearance before they can be marketed or sold to consumers, so...more