Unapproved Drug Claims – The Continuing Saga for Cosmetic Brands

Unapproved "drug" claims - a continuing saga. In prior posts we have discussed the importance of cosmetic brands to avoid "drug" claims, and have discussed court rulings on the topic. Unfortunately, such marketing claims continue to be boasted by big and small brands alike, so it is no surprise we have seen an increase in … Continue reading Unapproved Drug Claims – The Continuing Saga for Cosmetic Brands →

Starbucks False Advertising Case Dismissed: Yes, Cold Drinks Contain Ice

(Okay-- so this one isn't specifically a "cosmetics" case-- but its provides some good "Take Away" points) Last Friday (Aug. 19, 2016), a California federal judge dismissed a proposed class action against Starbucks based on its purported trickery of under filling its cups with actual liquid, explaining that a reasonable consumer would expect a cold drink … Continue reading Starbucks False Advertising Case Dismissed: Yes, Cold Drinks Contain Ice →

Court Dismissals of “Made in USA” Class Actions

Two cases involving allegations that companies falsely labeled their products as "Made in USA" and thereby violated California's "Made in USA" statute have recently been dismissed. In April, the Southern District Court of California dismissed all claims against Heinz. Then, earlier this month on June 6, the Central District Court of California dismissed all claims against Stearn's Products. … Continue reading Court Dismissals of “Made in USA” Class Actions →

“Made in USA” Right to Cure Legislation — Show Your Support for AB 2827

Last month's round table discussion at EO Products was very insightful and now there is a piece of legislation that needs your support. As I previously discussed here, a significant number of companies doing business in California are facing frivolous class action lawsuits and threats of litigation because of their use of a "Made in USA" claim … Continue reading “Made in USA” Right to Cure Legislation — Show Your Support for AB 2827 →

California’s New “Made in USA” — Not Stopping Onslaught of New Litigation Based on Prior Conduct

During the 2015 legislative session, California's legislature amended its "Made in USA" law (previously discussed here) with SB 633. Under the new law, effective January 1, 2016, products sold in California may legally be labeled with a "Made in USA" claim as long as certain conditions are met (discussed below). Unfortunately, however, over the last 6 months, class … Continue reading California’s New “Made in USA” — Not Stopping Onslaught of New Litigation Based on Prior Conduct →

California’s “Made in USA” Law Upheld as Neither Unconstitutional nor Preempted

In the case Louise Clark v. Citizens of Humanity LLC et al., case number 3:14-cv-01404, pending in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of California, in denying the defendants' motion to dismiss, the court concluded that California's "Made in USA" law, Business & Professions Code section 17533.7, is neither unconstitutional nor preempted by federal law. … Continue reading California’s “Made in USA” Law Upheld as Neither Unconstitutional nor Preempted →

“Handmade” Claims Next Target for Class Action Litigation?

In December 2014, Maker's Mark was hit with a putative class action lawsuit challenging its use of the claim "Handmade." According to the complaint, Maker's Mark Whisky's manufacturing process uses a mechanized and/or automated process with little to no human supervision, assistance, or involvement. If the whiskey was originally "handmade," does the subsequent mechanization cause the … Continue reading “Handmade” Claims Next Target for Class Action Litigation? →

Looking Good in the Eyes of the Law: 2015 Cosmetics Compliance Seminar

Join us for a day and a half legal seminar devoted to the cosmetics industry on April 17-18, 2015 in San Francisco, California. Distinguished lawyers and regulatory experts representing the cosmetics and personal care industries will share their knowledge, experience and insight on the latest legal and regulatory developments impacting the cosmetics industry. This seminar … Continue reading Looking Good in the Eyes of the Law: 2015 Cosmetics Compliance Seminar →

“Unscented” Cosmetic Claims Don’t Pass “the Smell Test”

A putative class action lawsuit was filed early last week against Church & Dwight, Proctor & Gamble, Revlon, Dial Corporation, and Henkel Corporation, for allegedly misleading consumers by labeling their respective deodorants as "unscented," when, per the complaint, they products all have "a noticeable and unmistakable scent." The plaintiff seeks to represent a nationwide class … Continue reading “Unscented” Cosmetic Claims Don’t Pass “the Smell Test” →

Class Certified in “Organic” Cosmetic Lawsuit Against The Hain Celestial Group

Hain Celestial Group, Inc. has faced a number of lawsuits challenging the labeling and advertising of its various brands. In fact, since 2008, Hain has faced at least seven putative class actions as well as one action by a competitor. The suits have challenged the company's use of “organic,” “natural,” “pure & natural,” “100% vegetarian,” … Continue reading Class Certified in “Organic” Cosmetic Lawsuit Against The Hain Celestial Group →