Category Archives: Comparative Advertising

June 5, 2018

New Competition Bureau Guidance on Influencer Marketing, Made in Canada Claims and Savings Claims

The Competition Bureau (Bureau) has published the fourth volume of its Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest (Marketing Digest), which provides guidance from the Bureau on influencer marketing, “Made in Canada” claims and savings claims (see Bureau releases Deceptive Marketing Practices Digest Volume 4). In general, the Bureau’s … Read the rest of this entry »

May 27, 2018

Testimonials and Endorsements: Key Canadian Legal Rules and Compliance Tips

Testimonials and endorsements (i.e., where a brand uses an expert, celebrity or other person to endorse their product) are both increasingly popular and increasingly being scrutinized by regulators, including the Canadian Competition Bureau (Bureau) and U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC). While the Competition Act, which … Read the rest of this entry »

July 5, 2017

Misleading Concert Prices Could Be Your Ticket to a Fine: Competition Bureau

On July 4, 2017, the Competition Bureau (Bureau) issued a statement warning sporting and entertainment vendors to ensure that their upfront pricing was accurate. In particular, the Bureau cautioned ticket sellers that engaging in “drip pricing” (i.e., only disclosing a portion of the price upfront … Read the rest of this entry »

June 2, 2017

A Legal Tiptoe Through the Hot World of Influencer Advertising

My new Canadian Lawyer column discusses practical tips for brands and influencers in the expanding area of endorsements and testimonials, in light of Federal Trade Commission, Competition Bureau and industry regulator guidance. Below is an excerpt with a link to the full column. _________________ Anyone … Read the rest of this entry »

February 23, 2017

Competition Bureau Enforces “Sale” Sections of Competition Act, Brings Case Against Hudson’s Bay

The Competition Bureau (Bureau) continues to enforce the sale related sections of the Competition Act. Earlier today, it announced that it will commence an application with the federal Competition Tribunal (Tribunal) in relation to the alleged deceptive marketing of sleep sets (mattresses and foundations sold … Read the rest of this entry »

January 23, 2017

Competition Bureau Cautions Businesses to Back Up Environmental Claims, Issues New Guidelines

Earlier today, the Competition Bureau (Bureau) issued a Business Alert warning businesses to ensure that their eco-related claims, such as using the terms “organic”, “green” and “eco-friendly”, comply with the federal Competition Act, particularly the false or misleading advertising and performance claim provisions. See: It’s … Read the rest of this entry »

January 2, 2017

Lawyer Advertising Report to Come Before Convocation in Early New Year

Earlier today the Law Times published an interesting update to the Law Society of Upper Canada’s (LSUC) review of lawyer advertising (see: LSUC Action on Advertising Coming This Year). In its note, the Law Times reported that the LSUC Treasurer said he expects that the … Read the rest of this entry »

December 13, 2016

Ontario to Mandate “All-In” Prices For Travel Advertising, Reflects Larger Regulatory Push For Upfront Pricing

Earlier today, the Ontario Government announced that it was introducing new rules to ensure up-front pricing for travel services (amendments to the Ontario Travel Industry Act). In particular, the Government will require that travel advertising includes taxes and fees as of January 1, 2017. The … Read the rest of this entry »