Whether it’s marketing online (ads, website, emails, etc.) or offline (sales letters, magazine ads, etc.), you run a real danger of getting sued if your advertising breaks the law.
There are two primary types of lawsuits you risk:
(1) unhappy customers (maybe even a class action); and
(2) a federal or state government agency deciding to make an example out of you.
In both cases, chances are the allegations will be based on you engaging in fraudulent or deceptive trade practices because of what your advertising either claimed or omitted. This happens even if you didn’t know you did something wrong.
And if you’re selling to consumers (B2C) instead of other businesses (B2B), successful claims can often include statutory damages (e.g., triple damages), plaintiffs’ attorneys fees, and court costs.
Frankly, just one of these lawsuits can put most small or medium-sized companies out of business.
Bankruptcy. End of story.
Of course, there are other dangers.
For example, claims of intellectual property infringement or defamation. And these types of suits have sometimes resulted in damage awards of $10 million or more.
So, how do you avoid advertising-related lawsuits? A good way to minimize your risk is to have an experienced marketing lawyer perform a sales copy legal compliance review.
If you’re ready to protect yourself and your business, it’s time to set up a phone consultation with Business Marketin Lawyer Mike Young to discuss having your advertising reviewed for legal compliance.
Many of Attorney Young’s clients find their conversion rates increase after implementing his recommendations because their marketing becomes more credible to prospects.
