False Advertising Prompts 5-Hour Energy Lawsuits

The Michigan-based company, Living Essentials and its parent company, Innovation Ventures, are being sued by the states of Oregon, Vermont, and Washington over allegations that they misrepresented their 5-Hour Energy drink. Comparable suits are expected to be filed by other states in the upcoming weeks.

The states are accusing the manufacturer of the caffeinated energy drink of marketing their product in such a way that misled consumers. The Oregon lawsuit claims that 5-Hour Energy is advertised to contain a unique blend of ingredients designed to boost energy, when in reality the only energy-boosting component is a concentrated measure of caffeine. Furthermore, the lawsuit claims that consumers were deceived into believing the beverage would not leave them with the post-caffeine let down, and that the product had been recommended by physicians.

The three states are requesting civil penalties, compensation for consumers, and a permanent injunction forbidding the allegedly dishonest advertising claims of 5-Hour Energy.

The popular energy drink, consumed at a rate of about 9 million a week, came under fire after thirty-three states began an investigation of the product in 2012. Consumers have filed civil lawsuits which are currently pending in other U.S. courts against the 5-Hour Energy manufacturers.

What Constitutes False Advertising?

The term false advertising refers to an omission of facts, or a misrepresentation of facts that is likely to cause a reasonably thinking consumer to make a choice they probably would have not made under similar circumstances. Federal and state laws prohibiting false advertising are meant to protect consumers from being misled, and to safeguard competitors from untrue product claims that might blemish their brands, goods, or services.

In addition to facing legal and financial repercussions from the Federal Trade Commission, a company that participates in false advertising could lose substantial amounts of money in ads that must be pulled and fines, as well as legal fees and money paid to consumers if they are sued.

Acts false advertising also destroy trust consumers have placed in their favorite brands and companies. Feeling betrayed, customers will turn to other companies for equitable products or services. This translates into lost revenue and a potentially bad reputation which will hurt business in the future.

Additionally, false advertising can cause physical or emotional harm to consumers. For instance, claiming that a food is sugar-free when it is not, or omitting an important fact about a product or service are all ways consumers can be hurt by false advertising.

Pennsylvania Consumer Protection Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been harmed by misleading or false advertising, you may have cause to file a claim. The lawyers at Golomb Legal are actively investigating consumer claims regarding deceptive and fraudulent advertising, labeling, and other types of marketing. For a free review of your case, call the Pennsylvania consumer protection lawyers at Golomb Legal today at 1-800-355-3300 or 1-215-985-9177 or fill out our confidential Contact Form.

The consumer protection lawyers at Golomb Legal have successfully represented individuals in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and throughout the United States.

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