The Federal Trade Commission renews commitment to enforcing review and endorsement marketing by sending letters to more than 700 companies, advising them that they could incur significant legal penalties if they use endorsement marketing in ways that fail to comply with the FTC’s guidance on the matter. In October, the Federal Trade Commission sent thousands of letters with “Notices of Penalty Offenses” to an “array of large companies.” More than 700 of these letters advised

Attention all social media influencers! Pay attention to Petunia Products, Inc. v. Rodan and Fields LLC, a case from the Central District of California. Way back in my first blog post, I explained that, as influencer marketing grows, it will increasingly draw the attention of regulators. Now influencers must also worry about becoming the target of lawsuits brought by brands for trademark infringement. This possibility came to bear in Petunia Products, Inc. v. Rodan and Fields

Last week, the FTC announced that it would review its Endorsement Guides. The Guides – last updated in 2009 – help influencers, endorsers, celebrities, and companies navigate the FTC’s regulatory scheme. Although the Guides are advisory, they explain when the FTC might bring an action under Section 5 of the FTC Act, which generally prohibits deceptive advertising. Reading through the Endorsement Guides is a must for any company advertising on social media or using influencers

Influencer marketing is a growing trend. But as it grows, it draws more attention from regulators. Ensure that your business is protected.