Williams-Sonoma must pay $3.2 million for falsely claiming products were “Made in the USA”
Eric Lagatta, USA Today
Kia Soul
October 2014: A federal judge granted the company’s motion to dismiss concluding that the complaint failed to state a claim upon which relief may be granted and to meet the heightened pleading standard for fraud-based claims.
November 2013: A class-action lawsuit was filed against Kia Motors (and amended in 2014) for allegedly falsely advertising its vehicles, including the Kia Soul Sport and the Kia Soul Exclaim. Among other things, the complaint alleges that the advertisements promote the safety and quality of vehicles when, according to the plaintiffs, the company knows that the vehicles have a defective gas tank and are dangerous. (Sims et al v. Kia Motors America, Inc. and Kia Motors Corporation, Case No. 13-cv-01791, C. D. CA.).
The Latest
Acting on TINA.org Complaint, FTC Busts Williams-Sonoma, Again
Following a complaint by ad watchdog truthinadvertising.org (TINA.org), Pottery Barn’s parent company Williams-Sonoma has agreed to pay more than $3 million for violating a 2020 FTC consent order requiring that…
How a TINA.org Reader Tip Led to a Record Penalty for False Made in USA Claims
FTC says civil penalty against Williams-Sonoma is “the largest ever in a Made in USA case.”
LeBron James and Tonal
The NBA superstar isn’t just cashing endorsement checks.
‘Forever Chemicals’ in Band-Aids
Lawsuit alleges environmental claims don’t stick.