Massachusetts- and New Hampshire-based Chaucer Accessories, Bates Accessories, and Bates Retail Group sell belts, bags, wallets, and shoes to consumers directly, on major product platforms, and through third-party trade customers that resell products under their own private-label brands. The companies’ websites featured banners on every page that said “Made in USA” or “Hand Crafted in the USA.” But according to the FTC, in numerous instances, their shoes, belts, and other items were wholly imported or contained significant imported content. The complaint also alleges the companies made similar misleading Made in USA statements to its third-party trade customers and provided them with labels and promotional materials featuring deceptive U.S.-origin claims.
The FTC’s three-count complaint charges the respondents with making false or misleading “Made in USA” claims, making false or misleading “Made in USA from Global Materials” claims, and providing its trade customers with the means and instrumentalities to commit deceptive acts or practices. The proposed settlement includes a monetary judgment of $191,481 and requires the respondents to contact certain customers directly about the FTC action.
Read more HERE.
No comments:
Post a Comment