How a TINA.org Reader Tip Led to a Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
FTC says civil penalty against Williams-Sonoma is “the largest ever in a Made in USA case.”
September 2020: Plaintiffs moved for preliminary approval of a proposed settlement agreement. According to its terms, class members who submit valid claims may receive a pro rata share of a $175,000 settlement fund after other fees – including notice and administration costs, attorneys’ fees, and an incentive payment to the named plaintiff – are paid. The proposed settlement agreement also indicates that the company removed and revised certain statements from its advertising materials.
May 2019: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Slendertone for allegedly falsely advertising that using the Flex Belt (a belt that delivers small amounts of electricity into the body causing muscles to contract) will get rid of belly fat and contour the body, lead to visible “six pack” abs and weight loss, and is a replacement for traditional abdominal exercise when, according to the complaint, there is no scientific support for such claims and the FDA has disapproved such devices for the advertised uses. (Loomis et al v. Slendertone Distribution, Inc., Case No. 19-cv-854, S.D. Cal.)
FTC says civil penalty against Williams-Sonoma is “the largest ever in a Made in USA case.”
The NBA superstar isn’t just cashing endorsement checks.
Lawsuit alleges environmental claims don’t stick.
Got milk? Apparently not.
Flag on the play.