Canadian company Tapplock, Inc. sells smart locks to the U.S. market that the company advertised as “sturdy,” “secure,” and even “unbreakable.” Tapplock’s assurances that the locks were strengthened with “double-layered lock design” and made with “anti-shim and anti-pry technologies” could be quite an enticement for consumers looking for top-of-the-line connected home security. There was a
FTC Addresses Packaging in “Made in USA” Closing Letter Following NARB Referral
While the Federal Trade Commission (FTC)’s recent action against Williams-Sonoma for allegedly false “Made in USA” claims garnered headlines for its $1 million penalty, FTC staff continue to offer insights into the Commission’s enforcement position on such claims through its closing letter process. For example, the FTC sent a closing letter to epoxy manufacturer J-B
Williams-Sonoma Pays $1 Million to Settle “Made in USA” Claims
Home furnishings giant Williams-Sonoma – whose brands include Pottery Barn, Le Creuset, and West Elm – invokes an upscale, modern American lifestyle. Many of its products are marketed not only as “quality” but also “crafted in America.” Consumers who received mattress pads from the Pottery Barn Teen and Kids were therefore surprised to see labels
CPSC Continues Enforcing PPPA Requirements During COVID-19 Crisis
With millions of children home due to school closures, the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) recently issued checklists with guidance on keeping homes safe during this period. Protecting children from accidental ingestion of potentially harmful products found in the home featured prominently in these documents. CPSC’s current focus on poison prevention continues a recent trend
FTC Seeks Input on Energy Labeling for Portable Air Conditioners
In a notice approved for publication in the Federal Register, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advised on March 27, 2020 that it is soliciting feedback on proposed new EnergyGuide label requirements for portable air conditioners. The FTC’s Energy Labeling Rule requires manufacturers to attach yellow EnergyGuide labels to major home appliances and other consumer products
FTC and FDA Warn Companies About Coronavirus Treatment Claims
As fears escalate over the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), scared consumers may be more susceptible to claims by companies offering cure-all remedies. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and Food and Drug Administration (FDA) are aware and looking out for consumers. The two agencies sent joint warning letters to seven companies – Vital Silver, Quinessence
EPA’s Nancy Beck Nominated to Head CPSC
Some months after Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) official Nancy Beck was rumored to be the President’s choice to serve as Chair of the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the news is now official. The White House announced Beck’s nomination on March 2, 2020.
Beck’s nomination, if approved by the Senate, would bring the CPSC back
UK ICO Finalizes Rules for Children’s Content
The UK Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) recently finalized its Age-appropriate design: a code of practice for online services (the code). The code applies to any “relevant information society services which are likely to be accessed by children” (by which the ICO means minors under age 18), whether designed for kids or general audiences. The new
FTC Seeks Comments on Revamping its Endorsement Guides
At a time when influencers are making a living – and sometimes millions of dollars – for promoting everything from eye shadow to the latest smartphone, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is reassessing its Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising (the Guides). The Guides provide direction to businesses that use influencers
Maker of Purell Draws FDA Warning and Lawsuit for Hand Sanitizer Disease Prevention Claims
GOJO Industries, the maker of Purell hand sanitizer, needs to clean up its advertising act according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The FDA sent GOJO a letter on January 17, 2020 warning the company to stop making unsubstantiated claims about its hand sanitizers to avoid giving consumers the impression that they are