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Amanda Beane

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Amanda Beane serves as co-chair of the Advertising, Marketing & Promotions practice.

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On March 27, 2023, the U.S. Supreme Court granted certiorari in a case concerning a plaintiff’s standing to bring an Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) suit against a hotel where the plaintiff lacked any intention of ever visiting the hotel. This case could have major implications for the continued viability of “tester” standing in ADA cases and therefore greatly affect the number of ADA claims brought every year against hotels and other businesses offering goods and services to the public.…

Continue Reading Supreme Court Grants Certiorari To Determine Viability of ADA Tester Standing

Key Update:

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has used a $1 million settlement with NutraClick to reimburse customers who allegedly believed they were receiving free products but were actually enrolled in an unwanted monthly subscription program.

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Continue Reading FTC Settlement With NutraClick Reimburses Customers Nearly $1 Million for Recurring Subscription Practices

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently issued Health Products Compliance Guidance (the Health Guides). The Health Guides replace prior FTC guidance issued in 1998 that largely focused on dietary supplements. The new guidance addresses advertising practices for a broader range of products, namely “any health-related product,” including foods, over-the-counter drugs, homeopathic products, devices, health equipment…

Key Updates:

  • LCA-Vision, d/b/a LasikPlus and Joffe Medicenter, has agreed to pay $1.25 million to settle the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) allegations that it misrepresented the price of eye surgery to entice prospective customers.
  • According to the FTC’s allegations, only a small percentage of patients qualified for the promotional rate.
  • In addition to the monetary fine, the clinics are prohibited from misrepresenting the cost of surgery or omitting restrictions on advertised services.

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Continue Reading FTC Targets Lasik Eye Correction Promotional Pricing With $1.25 Million Settlement Order

Key Takeaways:

  • On September 15, 2022, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed into law the bipartisan California Age-Appropriate Design Code Act (CAADCA or the Act), Cal Civ. Code 1798.99.28 et seq., which goes into effect on July 1, 2024.
  • The Act places new obligations on companies with online products, services, or features that are “likely to be accessed by children” under the age of 18.
  • The Act is notable for its strict obligations applying to a broad spectrum of businesses, including those whose digital products and services are used by a significant number of minors, even if the business does not directly target children. It is also notable for applying to all minors under 18, rather than distinguishing between those under 13 and those aged 13-18.
  • A recent lawsuit brought by a technology trade group claims the Act violates free speech and is preempted by the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA), which sets website operator requirements for online interactions with children 13 and under, and the Communications Decency Act (CDA).
  • At least five other states are considering children’s privacy-related legislation.

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Continue Reading Building Blocks – Lawmakers Are Increasingly Focused on Children’s Privacy

Another new year begun, so it’s time for retailers to revisit advertising and marketing law compliance strategies to avoid class actions, regulatory enforcement actions, and competitor challenges. We share our picks for the top five U.S. marketing law topics that deserve your attention in 2023.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is seeking public comment on the Green Guides for the Use of Environmental Claims (Green Guides) as it considers potential updates. Last updated in 2012, the Green Guides serve as the FTC’s guidance for environmental marketing claims. The FTC is seeking public feedback on various green advertising topics, including whether to make the Green Guides independently enforceable and their interaction with other environmental marketing laws. The FTC is interested in hearing what industry stakeholders and consumers think about environmental claims generally, including those that are not currently covered by the guidelines.…

Continue Reading FTC Invites Comments for Green Guides Review

Key Updates

  • The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) settled with internet phone service provider Vonage for allegedly using dark patterns to make it difficult for customers to cancel their phone service, charging unnecessary fees, and continuing to charge customers who had canceled their service. Dark patterns are design practices – often for a website or software app – that harm consumers, typically by manipulating or tricking them into making choices that they might not otherwise have made.
  • Under the settlement terms, Vonage is required to obtain express consent before charges, simplify its cancellation procedure, and pay $100 million in refunds.

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Continue Reading Vonage To Pay $100 Million To Settle FTC Action Regarding Dark Patterns and Junk Fees

U.S. Senator Tammy Duckworth and U.S. Representative John Sarbanes have jointly introduced a new bill—the Websites and Software Applications Accessibility Act (the Act)—to address barriers that Americans with disabilities encounter when attempting to use websites and apps. The Act proposes to codify digital accessibility requirements for websites and apps, set schedules for continuous accessibility-related rulemaking to keep up with technological changes, and establish organizations to serve as support structures to facilitate digital accessibility. If enacted, the Act would fill a hole left open by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), which has been interpreted by some (but not all) courts to apply to websites and apps.…

Continue Reading New Bill Seeks To Establish Digital Accessibility Requirements for Websites and Apps