Legal news for lawyers specializing in marketing law in Illinois. Oprah and Dr. Oz sue 40 companies for using their names as endorsements.
Illinois lawyers alert- Oprah Winfrey and Dr. Mehmet Oz filed a lawsuit against companies using their names to sell acai berry products.
Chicago, IL—Daytime talk show host, Oprah Winfrey, and Columbia University heart surgeon, Dr. Mehmet Oz, filed a lawsuit against at least 40 companies who are selling products with their names on them. During “The Oprah Winfrey Show” which aired last year, Dr. Oz and Oprah discussed the health benefits of the acai berry. Dr. Oz said the “Acai berry is a powerful antioxidant.” Since then products featuring the berry have flooded store shelves, were made into television ads, and appear on Internet popup ads with their names as endorsements plastered all over them, as reported by ABC News.
The acai berry is being marketed as a weight loss supplement, an answer to sexual dysfunction, and the key to a long life. These claims are highly believable amongst consumers, when Oprah’s and Dr. Oz’s stamp of approval is posted all over the product. The companies marketing these products took advantage of the Oprah Show acai berry segment, and used it to create an impression that the duo was promoting the berry, and then used their name to endorse the products. The Center for Science and Public Interest reports there is no scientific evidence the acai berry will help weight loss. According to the lawsuit, the defendants named in the lawsuit are allegedly “fabricating quotes or falsely purporting to speak in Dr. Oz’s and/or Ms. Winfrey’s voice about specific bras and products that neither of them has endorsed.” The acai products in question are reportedly distributed through Whole Foods, Jamba Juice, the Web, and grocery stores.
Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for lawyers specializing in marketing law in Illinois.
