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September 29th, 2011
FTC Announces $25 Million Settlement with Reebok
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") announced today that Reebok International Ltd. ("Reebok") will pay $25,000,000 to settle FTC charges that it deceptively advertised its "toning shoes." Reebok's ads claimed the shoes would provide extra tone and strength to leg and buttock muscles. The settlement will fund consumer refunds either directly from the FTC or through a court-approved class action lawsuit. This settlement is another example of the FTC’s recent increased focus on national advertising, particularly Advertising that impacts consumer health. Speaking about the Reebok settlement, David Vladeck, Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, stated that the FTC "wants national advertisers to understand that they must exercise some responsibility and ensure that their claims for fitness gear are supported by sound science."
According to the FTC, Reebok made unsupported claims in print, television, and Internet advertisements that walking in its "EasyTone" shoes and running in its "RunTone" running shoes strengthen and tone leg and buttock muscles more than walking and running in regular shoes. Specifically, Reebok allegedly falsely claimed that walking in EasyTone footwear had been proven to lead to 28 percent more strength and tone in the buttock muscles, 11 percent more strength and tone in the hamstring muscles, and 11 percent more strength and tone in the calf muscles - than regular walking shoes. The claims also appeared on shoe boxes and displays in retail stores.
Read full case timeline - Federal Trade Commission v. Reebok International Ltd.
If you have any questions about the FTC's announcement, please contact Jeffrey A. Greenbaum at (212) 826 5525 or jgreenbaum@fkks.com or any other member of the Frankfurt Kurnit Advertising Group.
Other Advertising Law Alerts
What the Advertising Industry Can Learn from Kim Kardashian’s Settlement with the SEC
On October 3, 2022, the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) announced that it entered into a $1.26 million settlement with Kim Kardashian over her social media promotion of the EMAX token without disclosing payment she received from token issuer, EthereumMax. The matter provides important lessons for advertisers. Read more.
October 10 2022
Get Ready for California’s New “Automatic Renewal” Rules
California recently amended its Automatic Purchase Renewals law. The amended statute - effective July 1st -- require marketers to provide consumers of automatic renewal or continuous service offers with more information and easier ways to terminate. Read more.
June 22 2018
“Made in the U.S.A.” Claims Continue to be Scrutinized
In 2016, California amended Section 17533.7 of the California Business and Professions Code ("Section 17533"), liberalizing the standard for selling products labeled "Made in U.S.A" to California consumers. Read more.
June 4 2018
