Category Archives: Comparative Advertising

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 »

August 25, 2016

Canada Increases Scrutiny of Online Paid Endorsements/Testimonials

An interesting Canadian Business article on paid endorsements caught my eye earlier today. It discusses the increasing scrutiny of advertising regulators in Canada and the United States to require clear disclosures of material connections for online endorsements, including new Canadian Advertising Standards Canada (ASC) rules … Read the rest of this entry »

July 18, 2016

New International Online Reviews and Endorsements Guidelines Give Practical Guidance to Marketers, Reflect Competition Bureau Policies

Featured Update Practical Law Canada Competition July 18, 2016 This Featured Update discusses the recent Online Reviews and Endorsements Guidelines issued by the International Consumer Protection and Enforcement Network (ICPEN). It includes a summary of key principles and guidelines for review administrators, traders and marketing … Read the rest of this entry »

June 13, 2015

Guest Post: U.S. FTC Updates FAQs on Endorsements and Testimonials in Social Media

Major enforcement agencies, notably in the United States (U.S. FTC) and Canada (Competition Bureau have been increasingly focusing on misleading online testimonials and disclaimers. In this respect, earlier this week Canada’s Competition Bureau launched a new advertising law publication with the first issue focusing on … Read the rest of this entry »