As the number of adult-use states continues to grow—with New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Vermont recently joining the ranks—the scrutiny of cannabis-related advertising has grown with it. In recent years, state and federal regulators have made it clear that cannabis claims are a priority, especially claims stating or implying a health benefit. Most of the attention to date has been on CBD products and claims, but as THC products hit the shelves in more and more states,… More
Tag Archives: FDA
FDLI Food Advertising, Labeling, and Litigation Conference Now Accepting Proposals
The Food and Drug Law Institute’s 2019 Food Advertising, Labeling, and Litigation Conference for the Food and Dietary Supplement Industries will take place September 26 and 27 in Washington DC. This is always an excellent conference that showcases specialized expertise in this important area of regulation and litigation. Speakers always include key officials from relevant enforcement agencies such as the Federal Trade Commission, Food and Drug Administration, and U.S.… More
What Does FDA Commissioner Scott Gottlieb’s Resignation Mean for Food Marketing?
On March 5, Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Scott Gottlieb resigned after 22 months at the helm of the agency. His resignation will be effective as of a date that is as yet unspecified, but will be about one month from the date of his announcement. What might his resignation portend for any changes in FDA policy with respect to food marketing?
Gottleib was not known for focusing on food issues during his tenure.… More
Retro-Grade: What the La Choy Dragon Can Teach Us About Advertising Law, FDA Standards of Identity, Evolving Gender Roles, and Noodles
The marketing of pasta products sold in American grocery stores is a fascinating case study in the evolution of FDA food standards, American marketing, and even gender roles, as well as the growing diversity of America’s consumer population and its palate.
Most of the Food and Drug Administration’s standards of identity for food products were formulated in the early 20th century, and they reflected the foods in American stores and kitchens of that time.… More
A Trap for the Unwary: Cannabis Health Claims Likely to Draw Scrutiny from Advertising Regulators
With the opening of the East Coast’s first marijuana retailer just days away, consumers in Massachusetts may soon begin seeing advertisements promoting all manner of cannabis products, services, and establishments. The state’s Cannabis Control Commission has drafted regulations that place restrictions on marijuana advertising, but even with those restrictions, there is still plenty of opportunity for retailers and product manufacturers to promote cannabis to consumers,… More
Advertising Law Compliance for Start-Up Companies
Publicly launching its first product or service is an exciting time in the life of a start-up company. In this blog post, we provide some “rules of the road” that will hopefully prevent that all-important first product launch from turning into a legal disaster. Elsewhere, we have blogged about trademark, patent, domain name, and copyright strategies for start-ups and early-stage companies.… More
Advertising and Marketing Law Content at the FDLI Annual Conference
This week, May 3 and 4, the Food and Drug Law Institute (FDLI) holds its Annual Conference in Washington, DC. FDLI (I have heard insiders pronounce it “fiddly,” but I refuse to do so) covers all aspects of law and policy affecting food and drugs, including Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforcement, intellectual property, state and local regulation, and the latest technological developments. This year’s conference,… More
Advertising Tips for Food and Dietary Supplement Manufacturers
In the course of my career, clients have often asked for a nutshell summary of the key principles guiding the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) action in the food and dietary supplements industries. Two decades of experience have brought these principles into clear focus and have provided a vantage point from which to assess the risks of non-compliance. While by no means a substitute for legal advice, the short summary below will,… More
Q&A With Mark Mansour, Newest Member of Foley Hoag’s Advertising and Marketing Practice Group
The last few months have brought an abundance of riches to Foley Hoag’s Advertising and Marketing Practice Group. After expanding the group with the addition of August Horvath in New York, we are pleased to welcome nationally recognized FDA expert Mark Mansour to Foley Hoag’s Washington, D.C. office, where he will complement the firm’s existing FDA expertise and bring decades of experience to a fast-growing practice. Mark’s expertise is broad,… More
10 Marketing Law Takeaways From ANA/BAA 2017
We just got back from the Association of National Advertising (ANA) and Brand Activation Association (BAA) Marketing Law Conference in Chicago, held earlier this week. With hundreds in attendance, and dozens of speakers presenting over three days, it was a great opportunity to learn about “hot” trends and key issues in the advertising and marketing space from an array of stakeholders – marketers, attorneys, regulators,… More