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Month: February 2024

Ohio Cannabis School Makes History As The First of it’s kind to be Accredited by MSA- CESS that is Recognized by the US Department of Education

Posted on by Operations Team

Ohio is on a roll after passing an adult use measure on November 7th, and now claiming home to the first accredited cannabis school in the country.  On December 7th 2023, the same day that the adult use measure went into law, The Cleveland School of Cannabis (CSC) also made history, receiving a 10 year accreditation from Middle States Association-CESS. MSA-CESS,  building on the 100+ year rich history of the Middle States Association, aspire to improve the quality of education around the world by assisting schools to achieve excellence through the process of accreditation, by affirming to the public a member school’s trustworthiness and commitment to continuous improvement, by providing the network and resources for the promotion of proven practices.

CSC offers in person, and online programs in horticulture, processing, and dispensary operations, along with a live online home grow program, called “My First Plant” that filled up in just one month after the passing of issue 2. The institution itself has been serving the cannabis industry since 2017 taking in students from 28 different US States and graduating over 1000 individuals. “It hasn’t been easy running a cannabis business in Ohio,” says founder Austin Briggs.  “For things as little as occupancy permits, we had to fight tooth and nail. For a largely conservative State, Ohio citizens have shown wide support for cannabis, both medical and recreational.  But there still seems to be a tremendous amount of resistance from the government in supporting cannabis programs in Ohio. With the passing of issue 2 and our accreditation, I’m hoping this will be a turning point for Ohio policy.”

When it comes to social equity and access to the cannabis industry, Ohio has been rated amongst the lowest in the country.  The original social equity license requirements for the medical program were struck down in the courts, and continued to increase the gap between the haves and have nots. At CSC, however, the diversity in educational interest has ranged from baby boomers to gen Zers, from democrats, to republicans, from different races, and genders, to cannabis enthusiasts and patients seeking understanding of the plant and the industry. While CSC has to turn away a large portion of its applicants due to the lack of support from traditional educational resources for students, the school continues its path to make Ohio the most educated and collaborative state to date.

“Workforce development and education is the key to socioeconomic mobility” says CSC president Tyrone Russell.  “Companies have to hire people from their communities, and that only happens if those community members have access to education. In Ohio, you can go to your Ohio means jobs office, and get a grant to be a barber, welder, truck driver, contractor, or nail technician, but not to work in cannabis”.  This is a much bigger issue than giving away social equity licenses.  The school is hoping that the 36% jobs and equity funds from issue 2 is left intact and the majority of those funds are allocated to workforce development, education, and jobs in the cannabis industry.  States like Illinois and New York have allocated Millions from their cannabis programs to cannabis education and workforce development.  CSC has high hopes that Ohio will follow suit.  “With the infrastructure in place from the current medical program, and access to quality cannabis education, Ohio has a chance to roll out the most responsible, and successful adult use program in the entire country” Russell explains.

Over the next few years CSC has plans to expand its programs through partnerships with colleges and universities.  They are encouraging schools to jump on board and serve their communities properly by offering cannabis programs.  The cannabis industry in Ohio is projected to be one of the top 3 industries in Ohio for new jobs over the next 8 years.  There are many colleges and universities offering non-credit programs for cannabis but only a few adoption in depth programs with access to title VI funding.  “We have taken all of the bumps and bruises already” explains Briggs.  “Our programs were reviewed in great detail and it took over 4 years of review to get us here and our accreditation and recognition from the USDE should give schools all the confidence they need to push forward with cannabis programs. We are here to help”

For more information about the Cleveland School of Cannabis and its programs, visit www.csceducation.com.

Contact:
Tyrone Russell
Cleveland School of Cannabis
Phone: (216) 465-4161
Email: tyronerussell@csceducation.com

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National Advertising Division Recommends Smarter Reviews, a Product Review Site, Discontinue or Modify its Rankings and Review Format

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 27, 2024 – Following a challenge brought by BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division as part of its routine monitoring program, the National Advertising Division recommended that product review site, Smarter Reviews:

  • Discontinue its rankings and reviews format, or
  • Modify its advertising to avoid conveying a message that the review and rankings webpages and the reviews and rankings themselves are unbiased, genuine, and independent and on an unbiased and objective review site.

 

In a Google search result, the claim, “2023’s Top Eye Treatment for Refreshed, Youthful-Looking Eyes: We reveal the top 5 products for reducing & preventing the look of aging skin around the eyes,” appeared as part of an article on Smarter-Reviews.com.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) inquiry focused on whether the challenged claims in both the Google Search result and the eye cream rankings on the Smarter-Reviews.com website reasonably conveyed that they were independent and objective, when, in fact, they are advertisements.

During the inquiry, Smarter Reviews modified its webpage to add several disclosures that the webpage is advertising for TruAlchemy’s Eye Elixir, the #1 ranked product, including “owned and operated by Scale Media, Inc.”  

While NAD appreciated the changes made by Smarter Reviews, NAD determined that it was not sufficiently clear that the content is advertising, noting that the reviews and rankings on the webpage appear to be the product of a dispassionate, independent analysis conducted by an editorial team.

NAD concluded that when advertisers control review websites, a disclosure, even if clear and conspicuous, may not be sufficient to alert consumers that the review is created or sponsored by the advertiser and advertising websites. Further, NAD found no evidence that Smarter Reviews has the expertise it purports to have in reviewing and ranking products, nor is there evidence that the endorsement is based on the expertise the website purports to have.

In its advertiser statement, Smarter Reviews stated that it “agrees to comply with NAD’s recommendations” although it “believes that the content and the disclosures on Smarter Reviews clearly and conspicuously explain the nature of the relationship between the products advertised and Scale Media, consistent with the FTC’s Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.  

Contact Information:

Name: Jennie Rosenberg
Email: jrosenberg@bbbnp.org
Job Title: Media Relations

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Following National Advertising Division Challenge by Bic USA, Calico Voluntarily Discontinues Claims for Scripto Aim ‘n Flame MAX Lighter

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 26, 2024 – Following a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division challenge brought by Bic USA Inc., Calico Brands, Inc. discontinued claims that its Scripto® Aim ‘n Flame® MAX Lighter is the “#1 Selling Multi-Purpose Lighter.”

Calico Brands informed the National Advertising Division (NAD) that it permanently discontinued the challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

In its advertiser statement, Calico Brands stated that it “will comply with NAD’s recommendations” and noted that although it “believes that a variety of data can support the advertising of its Scripto lighter” it has “voluntarily discontinued the statements that were being challenged.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business. 

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Division Recommends Stihl Discontinue Unqualified “Made in America” Claims for Outdoor Power Equipment

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 22, 2024 – In a challenge brought by Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that, in connection with its outdoor power equipment, Stihl Incorporated:

  • Discontinue its unqualified “Made in America” claims; and
  • Modify its “Made in America” claims to make clear that not all (or virtually all) of its products are made in the United States and that not all (or virtually all) of the parts of those products are from the United States.

 

The challenged claims, on Stihl’s website, social media, commercials, and print ads stated that its products are “Made in America.” The claim was made in connection with the brand generally in a variety of contexts (at times with power tools visible in the ad) along with images of the American flag. Stihl usually included a disclosure stating, “A majority of STIHL products sold in America are made in America of U.S. and global materials.”

NAD concluded that notwithstanding the disclosure, consumers would take away a broad, unqualified message that all or virtually all of its products – and all or virtually all of those products’ parts – are made in America.

Since there was no evidence in the record to support this broad unqualified message, NAD recommended that Stihl:

  • Discontinue its unqualified “Made in America” claims; and
  • Modify its “Made in America” claims to make clear that not all (or virtually all) of its products are made in the United States and that not all (or virtually all) of the parts of those products are from the United States.

 

NAD noted that nothing in its decision would prevent Stihl from making a properly qualified “Made in America” claim as to the specific products and/or parts that are actually made in America.

Further, NAD recommended that Stihl modify its advertising to avoid conveying the messages that:

  • Stihl’s product line meets the FTC’s requirements to be designated as “Made in America.”
  • All of Stihl’s products are made in America.
  • All of Stihl’s parts are made in America.
  • All products and their constituent parts in Stihl’s advertisements are made in America.
  • Stihl’s products are all or virtually all made in America.
  • Stihl’s parts are all or virtually all made in America.
  • Stihl’s products have no or negligible foreign content.
  • The parts in Stihl’s products have no or negligible foreign content.
  • Some companies cannot claim that their products are Made in America, but Stihl can.

 

In its advertiser statement, Stihl stated that it “agrees to comply with NAD’s recommendations” although it “believes that its advertising verbiage and methods have truthfully conveyed its qualified Made in USA claims.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Following National Advertising Division Recommendation, Charter Agrees to Modify Spectrum Mobile Cost Savings Claim

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 21, 2024 – In a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended that Charter Communications, Inc. discontinue the claim that Verizon customers will “save over $1,500 in their first year” if they switch to Spectrum Mobile or modify the claim by adding or improving certain disclosures.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).

The challenged claim appeared in commercials for Spectrum Mobile comparing costs between two couples with different mobile carriers. “George and Heidi” with Verizon stand under a “Verizon” heading and “Dan and Tina” with Spectrum Mobile and stand under a “Spectrum Mobile” heading. Under the headings, both couples are shown to have two lines, unlimited data, and nationwide 5G. Large print text states that Spectrum Mobile customers “SAVE OVER $1,500 FIRST YEAR.” George and Heidi are told that they pay “way too much” and decide that they are “switching to Spectrum.”

NAD considered whether a consumer interested in maximizing savings would reasonably assume that the comparison involves the two least expensive or entry-level plans. NAD concluded that while Charter may compare the pricing of two plans at different “tiers” within the carriers’ offerings, in this context, it must be clear that the lowest tier Spectrum Mobile plan is being compared with a plan that is not Verizon’s lowest tier plan.

In addition, NAD considered whether the advertising omits material information, specifically, the requirement that one must have Spectrum Internet to take advantage of the offer for Spectrum Mobile. NAD determined that the disclosure that Spectrum Internet is required is not clear and conspicuous.

For these reasons, NAD recommended that Charter discontinue the claim that “With Verizon, George and Heidi pay way more for their two unlimited lines,” along with several other claims including “ONLY $29.99 / MO FOR 12 MOS;” “SAVE OVER $1,500 FIRST YEAR;” “$1,516.68 Savings First Year;” “No Hidden Fees;” “No Added Taxes,” or modify the claim to clearly and conspicuously disclose the Spectrum Internet requirement as well as the plans forming the basis of the price comparison and otherwise avoid conveying the message that Verizon does not offer a lower price tier.

In its advertiser statement, Charter stated that while it “disagrees that its existing disclosures were insufficient” it “will comply with NAD’s recommendations to improve the disclosures it includes with its savings claim for Spectrum Mobile.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

“Innovation Momentum 2024: The Global Top 100″ report reveals world’s most dynamic innovators using patent data

Posted on by Operations Team

In “Innovation Momentum 2024: The Global Top 100” LexisNexis uncovers which companies, industries and regions are driving innovation forward

NEW YORK, February 21, 2024 – Select companies in the pharmaceutical, semiconductor and information technology industries are pushing innovation at a remarkable pace, while new advances in the automotive industry are also driving innovation, according to new data measuring patent quality and quantity.

LexisNexis® Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of information and analytics, today released the third edition of its “Innovation Momentum: The Global Top 100” report. The annual study analyzes patent data to reveal how the pace and focus of innovation have evolved over the past two years. It identifies the top 100 companies that continue pushing boundaries in their respective fields by evaluating both the quality and volume of a company’s patents, differentiating between small, high-quality portfolios and large, well-maintained ones – an approach that allows recognition of genuine innovators that outperform their peers and push boundaries in their technology field.

Key Insights:

  1. Industry Distribution: The pharmaceuticals industry retains the top spot, with consistent innovation. Semiconductors hold second place with strong growth, building on pandemic-fueled needs for digital adoption. Meanwhile, the automotive industry contributes more strongly to the top 100 list than last year.

Table 1 The breakdown of the number of innovators by industry and region.

 

  1. AI Innovation Landscape: The report touches on the AI innovation landscape, showcasing companies like Nvidia and Juniper at the forefront of AI development. Juniper shows a steady portfolio increase with high quality patents being cited by Cisco, Huawei and Broadcom, making them an interesting acquisition target for Hewlett-Packard Enterprise.
  2. Advancements in Autonomous Driving: Companies like Aptiv and Tesla are highlighted for their focused efforts in autonomous driving and autonomous vehicle technologies. Tesla has increased its patent portfolio size by almost 14% within the last two years, developing high-quality patents that are referenced extensively by major players like Ford, Hyundai Motor, VW Group, Toyota, and others looking to build on Tesla’s innovations.
  3. Global Distribution of Innovators: S.-based companies excel in Pharmaceuticals and Information Technology, while Asia dominates in Electronics and Semiconductors, according to the new report. Notably, whereas China and Korea remain the Asian powerhouses, the inclusion of China’s Mainland companies dropped from 13 (last year) to only 7.

       

  1. New Entrants: The report introduces 24 new entrants to the list, including notable newcomers like German company ZEISS, provider of the glass for Apple’s new VR Vision Pro, and Japan- headquartered Daikin, which has put an emphasis on sustainability in their heating, ventilating, air conditioning and refrigerating (HVAC&R) innovations.
  2. Strategic Significance of Intellectual Property: The report acknowledges the strategic significance of intellectual property, exemplified by companies like IBM, which has transitioned to a value-driven approach in managing its patent portfolio.
  3. Qualitative Patent Strategies: Key companies such as CATL, Tempus Labs, and STMicroelectronics are identified for their innovative patent strategies, showcasing their unique
  4. Role of Smaller Companies: Smaller companies like Mirati Therapeutics and Splunk are recognized for their agility and niche expertise, which made them attractive M&A targets for Bristol-Meyers Squibb and Cisco, respectively.
  5. Academic Focus Areas: Academia’s focus on healthcare and chemistry is highlighted, with significant patent holdings in these areas by organizations like Broad Institute and Mass General Brigham, along with the rising importance of data analytics and AI in academic IT

“With technology rapidly redefining markets, success depends on tracking innovation trajectories and signals. For C-suite executives and investors alike, these data-driven innovation insights are indispensable for strategic planning and decision-making. The report highlights emerging innovation powerhouses across sectors that deserve a place on every corporate radar. Its insights also suggest potential partnerships and M&A opportunities that could shape competitive positioning.” said Marco Richter, Head of Global Customer Success for LexisNexis® Intellectual Property Solutions.

The full report is available for download at https://www.lexisnexisip.com/innovation-momentum-report.

It provides data-driven insights into the world’s leading innovators and the dynamics driving technology development.

About LexisNexis® Legal & Professional

LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

About LexisNexis® Intellectual Property Solutions

LexisNexis® Intellectual Property Solutions bring clarity to innovation for businesses worldwide. We enable innovators to accomplish more by helping them make informed decisions, be more productive, comply with regulations, and ultimately achieve competitive advantage for their business. Our broad suite of workflow and analytics solutions (LexisNexis® PatentSight+™, LexisNexis Cipher™, LexisNexis® IPlytics™, LexisNexis PatentOptimizer®, LexisNexis PatentAdvisor®, and LexisNexis TotalPatent One®, LexisNexis® IP DataDirect), enables companies to be more efficient and effective at bringing meaningful innovations to our world. We are proud to directly support and serve these innovators in their endeavors to better humankind.

Media Contact:
Holger Zimmer
Global Director Strategic Communications and Partnerships
Holger.Zimmer@LexisNexis.com
+49 151 176 636 75

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Following National Advertising Division Challenge, MOSH Voluntarily Discontinues Certain Claims for Mosh Protein Bars

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 15, 2024 – Following a challenge brought by the BBB National Programs National Advertising Division as part of its routine monitoring program, MOSH PBC discontinued certain advertising claims used to promote its Mosh Protein Bars.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) challenged the claim that Mosh Protein Bars are:

  • “Expertly formulated to crush cravings *and* give you a mental boost, wherever and whenever you need it most. Plus, set you up for long-term brain health. All in one little bar;” and
  • The implied claim that consuming Mosh protein bars will eliminate brain fog and provide meaningful and long-term cognitive benefits.

Further, during the inquiry, MOSH stated that it would make a modified claim: “Formulated with adaptogens, superfoods and vital brain nutrients.”

MOSH informed NAD that it permanently discontinued the challenged and modified claims. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

 

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. NAD reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business. 

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

In NAD Fast-Track SWIFT Case, Performance Designed Products LLC Voluntarily Modifies or Discontinues Claims for Motion Supported Game Controllers

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 13, 2024 – BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division has closed a Fast-Track SWIFT challenge initiated by ACCO Brands USA, LLC regarding advertising by Performance Designed Products LLC (PDP) for certain game controller claims.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the National Advertising Division (NAD).

ACCO argued that a number of PDP’s controllers do not support motion control, despite being labeled as having that function. Motion control is a feature that allows a player to play certain games that support the function by moving the entire controller, rather than manipulating the sticks and buttons on the controller.

Although PDP argued that NAD lacks jurisdiction to hear this case on several grounds, NAD determined that it does have jurisdiction.

PDP informed NAD that it has:

  • Voluntarily discontinued, or is in the process of discontinuing, any claims that its controllers have motion control for those controllers that lack this function; and
  • Voluntarily modified its product labels and website product pages to clearly and conspicuously disclose that it does not have motion control by adding “Motion Controls Not Supported.”

Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the discontinued and modified claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended their discontinuance or modification.

In its advertiser statement, PDP stated that it “previously communicated to NAD that it undertook corrective actions to address an acknowledged packaging error on certain of its products prior to its receipt of a filed challenge.  For this reason, PDP respectfully disagrees with the assertion that it chose to voluntarily discontinue or modify the challenged claims as a result of the proceedings.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive. This press release shall not be used for advertising or promotional purposes.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Division: The National Advertising Division of BBB National Programs provides independent self-regulation and dispute resolution services, guiding the truthfulness of advertising across the U.S. The National Advertising Division reviews national advertising in all media and its decisions set consistent standards for advertising truth and accuracy, delivering meaningful protection to consumers and leveling the playing field for business.

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Lawyers regularly using generative AI doubles in the last six months. Yet, lawyers demand AI that is grounded on legal sources

Posted on by Operations Team

Survey suggests a quarter of UK lawyers use generative AI tools, and a third are planning to. Whilst concerns still linger, lawyers say AI that is grounded on trusted legal content would be a welcome solution.

LONDON, 12 February 2024 – Today, LexisNexis Legal & Professional®, a leading global provider of legal information and analytics, has revealed that 26% of legal professionals are currently using generative AI tools on at least a monthly basis – up from 11% in July 2023. A further 35% of respondents unveiled plans to use the technology in the near future.

The LexisNexis survey of 1,200+ legal professionals in the UK found that substantially more than half (62%) of law firms have already made changes to their day-to-day operations as a result of generative AI.  These changes include launching AI-powered products for internal use, delivering AI-related training for staff, the hiring of AI experts and developing policies on the use of generative AI.

This continued enthusiasm for and adoption of generative AI tools is reflected in the areas legal professionals say are top priority opportunities for the technology.  91% want to use AI for time-saving tasks like drafting documents, 90% for researching matters and 73% for streamlining communication tasks such as writing emails. More complex tasks such as contract analytics (53%), connecting generative AI to case management (50%), or real-time comparisons of law across jurisdictions (45%) were also high on the priority list.

The survey found that the biggest hurdles to AI adoption were concerns over hallucinations (57%), security (55%), and a lack of trust in the current free-to-use technology (55%).  However, if legal AI solutions were grounded in reliable legal content sources with linked citations to the case, legislation or content used to create the response, two-thirds (64%) of respondents said they would be somewhat or completely confident using a solution of this description.  This confidence rose to 73% in large law firms.

Lexis+ AI, the new generative AI solution from LexisNexis, has been built specifically to address these concerns.  Grounded in the vast LexisNexis legal intelligence database, Lexis+ AI results are always backed by verifiable, citable authority or source.  It has also been built to meet the most popular use-cases for AI.

“The appetite for generative AI technology in the legal sector is unprecedented,” says Stuart Greenhill, Senior Director of Segment Strategy at LexisNexis. “Lawyers from all backgrounds are jumping at the chance to make the most of its time-saving potential. However, the demand is growing in the legal sector for generative AI tools that are grounded and trained on legal sources and can provide a higher-level of transparency for all responses generated.

Notes for editors

 

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional

LexisNexis Legal & Professional® provides legal, regulatory, and business information and analytics that help customers increase their productivity, improve decision-making, achieve better outcomes, and advance the rule of law around the world. As a digital pioneer, the company was the first to bring legal and business information online with its Lexis® and Nexis® services. LexisNexis Legal & Professional, which serves customers in more than 150 countries with 11,300 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.

Contact Information

Name: Matthew Leopold
Email: matthew.leopold@lexisnexis.co.uk
Job Title: Head Of Brand And Comms

Click Here to Visit Our Website

NARB Recommends Comcast Discontinue Use of “10G” When Referring to the Name of its Network

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – February 5, 2024 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that Comcast Cable Communications, LLC discontinue use of the term 10G in the product service name “Xfinity 10G Network” and when 10G is used descriptively to describe the Xfinity network. The use of 10G in a manner that is not false or misleading and is consistent with the panel decision (e.g., in a manner that does not misleadingly describe the Xfinity network) is not precluded by the panel recommendations.

This recommendation is consistent with the conclusion in another filed by Comcast following the National Advertising Division’s (NAD) decision in a similar (but not identical) advertising challenge brought by Verizon Communications Inc. (NAD Case No. 7213; NARB Panel 326).

The advertising at issue in this appeal had been challenged by T-Mobile US, Inc. Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7212), Comcast appealed NAD’s finding that 10G as used by the advertiser communicates express messages that are unsubstantiated. T-Mobile cross-appealed NAD’s determination that Comcast provided a reasonable basis for its “Next Generation” claim and the implied claim that Comcast had already achieved a major technological revolution.

In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel determined that Comcast should discontinue use of the term 10G, both when used in the name of the network itself (“Xfinity 10G Network”) as well as when used to describe the Xfinity network.

In so finding, the NARB panel concluded that 10G expressly communicates that the Xfinity network provides subscribers with 10 Gbps speeds. The panel concluded that the substantiation Comcast relied on to support this claim was not sufficient because of limitations concerning Comcast’s Gigabit Pro service tier, including the difficulty of finding the availability of the service on the Xfinity website, the possible need to obtain local government permission to install the necessary fiber, and the relatively high cost of the service. In addition, the panel noted that Comcast had not disclosed the number of consumers who subscribed to that tier service.

Further, the NARB panel agreed with NAD’s conclusions that Comcast has provided support for its Next Generation claim and, as incorporated in the arguments for such, the implied claim that Comcast had already achieved a major technological revolution based on its substantial investment in the Xfinity network that has resulted in significant improvements in key metrics of interest to consumers.

Comcast stated that although it strongly disagrees with NARB’s analysis and approach, Comcast will comply with NARB’s recommendations, and “reserves the right to use the term ‘10G’ (or ’Xfinity 10G’) in a manner that does not misleadingly describe the Xfinity network itself.”

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of NAD, NARB, and CARU decisions, subscribe to the online archive.

About BBB National Programs: BBB National Programs, a non-profit organization, is the home of U.S. independent industry self-regulation, currently operating more than a dozen globally recognized programs that have been helping enhance consumer trust in business for more than 50 years. These programs provide third-party accountability and dispute resolution services that address existing and emerging industry issues, create a fairer playing field for businesses, and a better experience for consumers. BBB National Programs continues to evolve its work and grow its impact by providing business guidance and fostering best practices in arenas such as advertising, child-and-teen-directed marketing, data privacy, dispute resolution, automobile warranty, technology, and emerging areas. To learn more, visit bbbprograms.org.

About the National Advertising Review Board (NARB): The National Advertising Review Board (NARB) is the appellate body for BBB National Programs’ advertising self-regulatory programs. NARB’s panel members include 85 distinguished volunteer professionals from the national advertising industry, agencies, and public members, such as academics and former members of the public sector. NARB serves as a layer of independent industry peer review that helps engender trust and compliance in NAD, CARU, and DSSRC matters.

Contact:
Jennie Rosenberg
Media Relations
BBB National Programs
press@bbbnp.org

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