PODCAST: Williams Mullen's Trending Now: An IP Podcast - Sweepstakes and Contests
Recently, Elon Musk launched a promotion on X (formerly Twitter). The promotion, however, doesn’t follow the rules that are typically required with promotions. Here’s the ad:...more
This week, 14 Attorneys General have sued TikTok challenging its practices. If you are a sponsor who currently has a sweepstakes or contest running on TikTok, or if you’re considering one, you may be asking yourself what can...more
Unbeknownst to me (until yesterday), Fat Bear Week has been a big event for the past ten years. As far as I can tell, it’s like a reality show in which the contestants are bears, instead of humans. And unlike some human...more
This week Donald J. Trump announced that “Back by popular demand” he’s offering his new (Series 4) Trump Digital Trading Cards (NFTs). Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I went to the website to review the offer and...more
Nelson Mullins invites you to join hosts John Heitmann and Joshua Guyan as they welcome Kelly Whitehart who will provide our communications, internet, and technology clients an overview of advertising and marketing issues...more
Earlier this week, Stryve Foods, Inc. (“Stryve”) announced the launch of its Bitcoin sweepstakes – allegedly the first of its kind by a meat snack purveyor. Participants will be given the chance to win one of five prizes,...more
When it comes to mitigating the risk of class action lawsuits, the best offense is a good defense. Companies can take many steps to reduce their exposure to class action litigation before it happens, including the tactics...more
We’ve seen this scenario (one too) many times before: the business/marketing team comes to the in-house legal team and wants to run a sweepstakes or contest to promote a brand or a new product line. Surprise! They are hoping...more
Québec recently repealed the province’s strict regulations concerning contests open to Québec participants by amending the Act respecting lotteries, publicity contests, and amusement machines (Act) and by abolishing the Rules...more
Hosted by Canadian Institute, the 30th Annual Advertising & Marketing Law conference returns for another exciting year where the top minds convene to network and engage in thought-provoking discussions shaping the law, policy...more
In the world of international finance and crime, criminals and terrorists have always sought innovative ways to launder money and avoid sanctions. One relatively recent method that has gained prominence is known as...more
Being born and raised in Pennsylvania, let me start by saying that I love Reese Cups – a perfect mix of chocolate and peanut butter that just makes you so happy. And of course, Reese’s should not be sorry that they make you...more
The 7th Circuit recently issued a decision in Smith v. First Hospital Laboratories, Inc., holding that in some “narrow situations” a fax offering to buy a product or service might be considered an advertisement under the TCPA...more
Publishers Clearing House (PCH) is well known for surprising major sweepstakes winners with a Prize Patrol knock on their doors. But the recent lawsuit filed by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against the company was...more
When it comes to the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA), the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) often has a lot to say. Unfortunately, the FCC’s pronouncements are often vague, ambiguous, and conflicting....more
On June 27, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced an enforcement action against Publishers Clearing House (PCH) in connection with the company’s long-running sweepstakes promotions. Though the FTC’s complaint alleges a...more
Examining loyalty points used for chance promotions - On May 11, 2023, @BabyTesla3 sent out a Tweet: NEW: Tesla has revamped the Referral program and introduced a new loyalty program! Here’s what you need to know •...more
Mike Lindell – the “My Pillow Guy” – makes pillows that are soft to touch and claims that are hard to prove. In 2021, Lindell announced that he had compiled evidence demonstrating that China had interfered in the 2020...more
The phrase “Many Will Enter, Few Will Win” is often used to comply with CARU’s guidelines for contests directed to children. It’s meant to make it easier for kids to understand that they really don’t have a good shot at...more
Michael Ostheimer, a senior staff attorney for the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), joined Holland & Knight for a recent webinar presentation on social media advertising and marketing practices. This Holland & Knight alert...more
Another new year approaches, so it’s time for retailers to revisit advertising and marketing law compliance strategies to avoid class actions, regulatory enforcement actions, and competitor challenges. In this Update, we...more
Those running promotions such as sweepstakes or contests on social media may seek to engage influencers, or individuals with significant social media followings, to enhance their promotions’ visibility and boost engagement...more
Sweepstakes and other promotional devices, such as contests and giveaways, are already immensely popular in social media. With the growing popularity of the metaverse, many brands are expanding their advertising and marketing...more
In Part 1 of our two-part series about advertising in the metaverse, we summarized its history, discussed its broad implications, and analyzed the attention regulators are giving to false advertising in this area. In...more
Doing good doesn’t get old. But marketing leaders know that effective promotion of a company’s charitable giving requires a subtle combination of bedrock advertising principles with a few twists. It’s often here that...more