Consumer Law and Digital Marketing
The world is changing and the online world in particular grows and changes shape by the day. From social media sites like Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest and Tumblr, to blogs and other online media, do the old-world legal issues still apply in the new-world landscape? It’s an increasingly important question because as things change they […]
Food giant Heinz has been slapped with a $2.25 million fine by the Federal Court here in Australia for misleading consumers. Heinz claimed that its “Little Kids Shredz” dehydrated snack products were nutritious, and while the products (aimed at parents of toddlers) were made with ingredients derived from fruits and vegetables and did not contain […]
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has challenged Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited (Sony Europe) to a battle royale in the Australian Federal Court, alleging that Sony Europe made false or misleading representations to Australian consumers on its website and in dealings with Australian customers on its PlayStation online store. As you may […]
In the midst of tumultuous times for Australian parliament recently, you may have missed the far-reaching changes which were introduced to the Australian Consumer Law (ACL) and Australian Securities and Investment Commission Act 2001 (ASIC Act) on 18 October 2018, to clarify and strengthen consumer protections related to gift cards, product safety and price transparency. We recently wrote about the […]
In recent news, Ariana Grande, internationally renowned pop star, has filed a US$10m lawsuit in the United States against youth fashion brand ‘Forever 21’, and its related beauty brand ‘Riley Rose’, over the brands hiring a model that looks like Ms Grande. For context, an endorsement deal between Grande and Forever 21 fell through after […]
Ozwear Connection (Ozwear) has been issued with two infringement notices and been slapped with $25,200 in penalties by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for misleading consumers by making false country of origin representations about their “Classic Ugg” footwear. Ozwear made false representations on their website that their Classic Ugg footwear was made in […]
Internet service provider Activ8me has come under the scrutiny of the ACCC for the second time this year, after allegedly making false or misleading representations when advertising their internet services. Back in March, the telco provider paid a penalty of $12,600 for promoting that its internet services were endorsed by the ACCC as being superior […]
There is a joke that lawyers like to tell about advertising. A witness in the witness box is sworn in and swears “to tell the truth and nothing but the truth”. The lawyer approaches the witness and asks his first question: “Please tell the court what business you are in”, the witness replies “advertising”. The […]
Facebook is one of the world’s biggest social media platforms available online. Using the platform for business purposes has many benefits, including: It’s a fairly low-cost marketing strategy; It enables you to connect with current and potential clients; It raises brand awareness; and It can steer traffic to your website. However if not managed effectively, […]
Do I Need A Refund Policy? It is recommended that businesses are transparent about when a customer is entitled to a refund or return. There are several ways in which you can communicate a refund policy, including on your website, on display in your store, or in terms and conditions. Consumer Rights Certain consumer rights […]