Last month, California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta announced the awardees for the 2024-2025 Tobacco Grant Program, a program spearheaded by the California Department of Justice (DOJ) that aims to support local law enforcement agencies in their efforts to reduce illegal tobacco sales and usage, particularly among minors. Bonta also provided an update on “Operation Up in Smoke,” a comprehensive law enforcement operation targeting illegal tobacco sales. These updates illustrate that California continues to prioritize coordinated law enforcement efforts against businesses that make illegal tobacco sales, particularly to minors.Continue Reading California AG Provides Update on State Tobacco Enforcement Efforts
Advertising and Marketing
North Carolina AG Sues Timeshare Company for Unsolicited Robocalling
On October 18, North Carolina Attorney General (AG) Josh Stein filed a complaint against timeshare company Club Exploria, LLC, for allegedly using robocall machines to make unsolicited calls to consumers.Continue Reading North Carolina AG Sues Timeshare Company for Unsolicited Robocalling
Company Enters $10M Settlement to Resolve Deceptive Advertising Claims
Illinois Attorney General (AG) Kwame Raoul entered a settlement with Teleperformance Colombia SAS, TPUSA Inc., and Teleperformance SE (collectively, Teleperformance). The agreement resolves allegations that Teleperformance engaged in deceptive marketing practices in violation of the Consumer Fraud and Deceptive Business Practices Act and the Telephone Solicitations Act.Continue Reading Company Enters $10M Settlement to Resolve Deceptive Advertising Claims
Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Puff Bar Violated State Consumer Protection Laws
A consumer class action lawsuit has been filed in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of New York against EVO Brands, LLC and PVG2, LLC, both doing business as Puff Bar. The lawsuit alleges that Puff Bar violated state consumer protection laws by engaging in deceptive marketing practices aimed at youth, and by misleading consumers about the legality and safety of their synthetic nicotine e-cigarettes.Continue Reading Class Action Lawsuit Alleges Puff Bar Violated State Consumer Protection Laws
California Governor Signs New Automatic Renewal Requirements Into Law
On September 24, California Governor Gavin Newsom signed Assembly Bill 2863 into law. The bill amends California’s existing regulations on automatic renewal offers and continuous service offers made to California consumers.Continue Reading California Governor Signs New Automatic Renewal Requirements Into Law
FTC Issues Final Rule on Fake Reviews and Testimonials
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final rule to combat fake reviews and testimonials.[1]Continue Reading FTC Issues Final Rule on Fake Reviews and Testimonials
Ticketing Company Agrees to COVID-19 Customer Refunds
California Attorney General (AG) Rob Bonta has settled with StubHub, Inc. (StubHub) for alleged violations of the Unfair Competition Law and False Advertising Law. The complaint accuses StubHub of making misleading statements to induce the public to purchase tickets on its platform. Specifically, the complaint highlights StubHub’s “FanProtect” guarantee, which promised full refunds for canceled events — a promise that StubHub allegedly failed to honor during the COVID-19 pandemic.Continue Reading Ticketing Company Agrees to COVID-19 Customer Refunds
District of Columbia AG Sues StubHub for Alleged “Dark Patterns” and Hidden Fees
On July 29, the attorney general (AG) for Washington, D.C. sued StubHub, Inc. (StubHub) for violations of the district’s Consumer Protection Procedures Act. The complaint accuses StubHub of employing “dark patterns,” including the use of hidden fees that mislead consumers and inflate ticket prices.Continue Reading District of Columbia AG Sues StubHub for Alleged “Dark Patterns” and Hidden Fees
2024 Mid-Year Review: State AGs Shaping Regulatory Landscapes
In 2024, the landscape of state attorneys general (AGs) is poised for significant change, with numerous elections and regulatory actions reshaping priorities and enforcement strategies. This dynamic environment reflects the critical role AGs play in addressing key issues across various sectors, from environmental regulations and consumer protection to health care and privacy. As state AGs continue to influence policy and legal frameworks, their actions will have far-reaching implications for businesses and consumers alike. Troutman Pepper’s State AG team is pleased to provide you with this mid-year review summarizing the activities in this regulatory space over the past six months.Continue Reading 2024 Mid-Year Review: State AGs Shaping Regulatory Landscapes
San Francisco Sues E-Cigarette Distributors for Violating Local Flavor Ban
We have previously reported on the proliferation of tobacco product flavor bans imposed by localities and subsequent legal challenges throughout the U.S. See Oregon Court Upholds Local Tobacco Product Flavor Ban; Troutman Pepper Tobacco Team Featured in Vapor Voice Post on Ninth Circuit’s Holding that L.A. County’s Flavor Ban Is Not Preempted; Philadelphia…