California’s False Advertising Laws
Consumer protection laws are designed to prevent companies from tricking consumers with false, deceptive, or misleading claims about their products. As a consumer, you have certain rights that protect you from companies seeking to take advantage of you.
California offers some of the strongest consumer protection laws in the United States. An experience false advertising lawyer can help you assert those rights. False advertising laws impose penalties on businesses that engage in deceptive advertising or other unfair business practices.
In California, businesses are prohibited from engaging in any deceptive advertising that causes competitors to suffer a financial loss. Companies are also prohibited from advertising products in a manner that is false, misleading, or deceptive.
A company that is found to have violated California false advertising laws may be subject to steep financial penalties. It will also be forced to change the allegedly deceptive labels. A judge may order the company to engage in a corrective advertising campaign.
Suing for False Advertising in California
Consumers who were duped by false advertising may be eligible to file a deceptive marketing class action lawsuit. They may then seek compensation on behalf of other consumers who purchased the product.
To bring a successful claim for false advertising, the plaintiff must prove:
- The business in question knowingly or recklessly misrepresented an objective fact
- Due to this misrepresentation, consumers were encourage to purchase products or services
- Consumers suffered financial harm as a direct result of the false advertising
If a court rules in favor of the plaintiff, or if the company decides to settle, consumers may receive a cash payment or other benefits. Plaintiffs can recieve awards for damages involving financial loss, and the company can be fined by the FTC.