NexisNewswire-logo
Sign In Submit Press Release

Category: Extended Distribution

National Advertising Division Recommends T-Mobile Modify or Discontinue Claim About the Ability to Watch Live Major League Baseball Games on MLB.tv

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 22, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs recommended that T-Mobile US, Inc. discontinue the claim that T-Mobile customers who download the T-Mobile Tuesdays App will be able to watch “every regular season [Major League Baseball] game live or on demand,” or modify the claim to make clear which categories of live games are available with the MLB.tv benefit.

In this Fast-Track SWIFT challenge, the claim at issue, which appeared in an instructional YouTube video, was challenged by AT&T Services, Inc. Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to NAD.

Although T-Mobile voluntarily modified the challenged claim during the proceeding to say that with the MLB.tv app, T-Mobile customers will be able to “enjoy every 2023 out-of-market, regular season game live or on demand,” a modification that made the claim accurate and not misleading, T-Mobile did not represent that it would permanently modify the claim to include “out-of-market” in any other future executions of the advertising. Therefore, NAD addressed the claim as it was originally challenged.

NAD determined that the challenged claim reasonably conveys a message that T-Mobile customers will be able to watch all regular season games live, whether they are nationally televised games, in-market games, or out-of-market games.

NAD concluded that such a message is not supported because, while all games that have been played already are available for viewing on demand, all games are not available live. NAD also noted that the “blackouts and other restrictions apply” disclosure does not cure the challenged claim as it contradicts the main message that all games are available live.

In its advertiser statement, T-Mobile stated that it “will comply with NAD’s decision” and that it “appreciates NAD’s recognition that the voluntary change it already made to [its] instructional video was sufficient to address AT&T’s alleged concerns.”

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. Per NAD Procedures, this 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

Edvisors’ Announces $2,500 in Student Loan Repayment Relief

Posted on by Operations Team

Edvisors, a leading provider of college planning resources, is proud to announce their newest initiative: student loan repayment relief. With more than 40 million federal student loan borrowers preparing for repayment this September, Edvisors is offering the opportunity for one borrower each quarter to win $2,500 in student loan repayment relief.

“It’s no secret that borrowers are dreading the return of federal student loan payments. For a borrower, the average student loan debt is over $35,000, and we understand how difficult it can be for borrowers to manage those monthly payments,” explains Edvisors’ Director of Corporate Communications Elaine Rubin. “Even with a variety of repayment plans to choose from, those monthly payments can have a significant impact on a borrower’s monthly budget. We want to help alleviate some of that stress and we are excited to offer this new opportunity for students and families.”

Edvisors has been helping students through college and beyond for over 20 years. To date they have awarded over $1 million in scholarships to their students.

For entry and official rules please go to: https://www.edvisors.com/repayment-relief/

The repayment relief opportunity is available to legal residents of the fifty states who are at least 18 years or older and have at least $2,500 in student loan debt. One winner will be chosen every quarter.

About Edvisors: For 20 years we have been known as one of the largest and most trusted resources to help students find their path to success. Everyone needs to find their own path, and we know that first-hand. We work to provide information from both our professional and personal experiences, to help individuals through college and beyond. Every year, millions of students and their families turn to the company’s flagship site, Edvisors.com, for timely, accurate information, advice and tools that help them confidently make the best decisions about paying for college. Additionally, Edvisors owns ScholarshipPoints.com, where students earn points to enter scholarship drawings (the site has awarded over $1 million to date). Founded in 1998, Edvisors is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. More information can be found at www.edvisors.com.

Contact Information

Name: Elaine Rubin
Email: erubin@edvisors.com
Job Title: Director of Corporate Communications

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council Refers Tori Belle to the Federal Trade Commission for Possible Enforcement Action

Posted on by Operations Team

McLean, VA – August 16, 2023 – The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC) of BBB National Programs recommended that Tori Belle Cosmetics discontinue certain earnings claims made by salesforce members on Facebook and YouTube. After a sustained lack of response from Tori Belle, DSSRC has referred direct selling company Tori Belle to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for possible enforcement action.

The inquiry into Tori Belle, which markets beauty and cosmetics products, was commenced by DSSRC through its ongoing independent monitoring of advertising and marketing claims in the direct selling industry.

 

The earnings claims that formed the basis of this inquiry include, but are not limited to:

  • “Honestly, weather you just want to feed your lash addiction on a discount, want to get a bill paid each month, or are looking for a full-on supplemental or replacement income- it is all do-able!”
  • “Who wants a free vacation?! I can’t believe this, guys. These magnetic lashes have been flying off the shelves so much that I earned a free trip to an all-inclusive resort in Cancun, Mexico! And in just under 4 months.
  • “You can supplement your income with just minutes a day work!…I’ve been with the company just under 2 months and I am making money and enjoying my new business”
  • “financial freedom”
  • “Are you looking for something to do from home to supplement your income or even to replace lost income”
  • “Now is a great time to have a second income or to create a full time business.”
  • Compensation Plan; [05:28] If you were to sell $3,000 worth of product…you would earn $1,200 in commission…the sky’s the limit
  • “how about we transform you bank account with a second income stream. Join me and let me show you how to have fun while building an empire…Earn Bonus incentives such as bonus pay & travel credits… Let me help you with that car note, mortgage or tuition! It’s your choice. #multiplestreamsofincome”

 

As stated in DSSRC’s Guidance on Earnings Claims for the Direct Selling Industry, some words and phrases commonly used in earnings claims can carry a particularly high risk of being misleading to consumers. Such words and phrases include claims such as “financial freedom,” “full-time income,” “replacement income,” “residual income,” and “career-level income.” Furthermore, earnings claims must be substantiated and representative of a level of earnings that can be generally expected by salesforce members.

When DSSRC opened its inquiry and informed Tori Belle of its concern that these types of earnings claims can lead a reasonable consumer to conclude that salesforce members can earn significant, career-level, or replacement income from the Tori Belle business opportunity, Tori Belle indicated that the posts in question were more than three years old and that the dates on the social media posts had been altered.

When a direct selling salesforce member has disseminated an unsupported, inaccurate, or deceptive claim, the direct selling company cannot evade responsibility. DSSRC reached out to Tori Belle to discuss the alleged alteration of the social media post dates and let them know that even if the posts are old and the salesforce members responsible for the posts are no longer active with the company, Tori Belle is nonetheless responsible for making a bona fide, good faith effort to have the posts discontinued.

DSSRC received no substantive response from Tori Belle to this and other communications and all 12 of the posts at issue in this case remain available to the public.

DSSRC remains extremely concerned about the unsupported earnings claims and Tori Belle’s failure to demonstrate that it has made any effort to contact the individuals responsible for the posts to have the claims removed or alert the social media platform of the unauthorized representation. As such, and pursuant to DSSRC Policies and Procedures, DSSRC has referred Tori Belle to the FTC for possible enforcement action.

All BBB National Programs case decision summaries can be found in the case decision library. For the full text of DSSRC decisions, visit the DSSRC Cases and Closures webpage.

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 Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council: The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council (DSSRC), a division of BBB National Programs, provides independent, impartial monitoring, dispute resolution, and enforcement of false product claims and income representations made by direct selling companies and their salesforce members across digital platforms. The DSSRC seeks to establish high standards of integrity and business ethics for all direct selling companies in the marketplace.

Contact Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Vesync Voluntarily Discontinues Certain Claims for HEPA Air Purifiers Following National Advertising Division Challenge by Dyson

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 15, 2023 – Following a BBB National Programs National Advertising Division (NAD) challenge, brought by competitor Dyson, Inc., Vesync Co., Ltd. voluntarily discontinued certain claims for its HEPA air purifiers.

Dyson challenged claims that Vesync’s Levoit EverestAir Smart True HEPA, Core 300, and Core 300S True HEPA air purifiers and their respective replacement filters have passed HEPA standards and argued that such claims conveyed other misleading messages.

In response to the challenge, Vesync asserted its belief in the efficacy of its products and stated that the challenged claims were made based on pre-existing independent third-party data. Vesync informed NAD that it was in the process of updating its testing data, however, and that for reasons unrelated to Dyson’s challenge, it had elected to permanently discontinue the challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits.

In its advertiser statement, Vesync thanked NAD for its attention to the matter and stated that it “does not concede that there was anything misleading about the claims but has decided to voluntarily discontinue the 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.

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

National Advertising Division Finds One Claim for RevWood Flooring Supported and Recommends Other Claims be Discontinued; Mohawk to Appeal

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 15, 2023 – The National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that the Mohawk Industries Inc.’s “Authentic imprint of Hardwood” claim for its RevWood laminate flooring product line was not misleading. However, NAD recommended that Mohawk discontinue the claims:

  • “Wood Without Compromise”
  • “The Perfect Wood for Your Home”

The claims at issue were challenged by the Decorative Hardwoods Association, which represents the hardwood plywood, hardwood veneer, and engineered hardwood flooring industries.

“Authentic Imprint of Hardwood”

NAD concluded that Mohawk’s “Authentic imprint of Hardwood” claim was not misleading because the message conveyed is that RevWood products offer a similar texture to real hardwood. Notably, NAD found that this message is reinforced by images and disclosures appearing near the claim.

“Wood Without Compromise”

NAD found that in the context of Mohawk’s advertising, consumers may take away the misleading message that RevWood is wood flooring from the slogan “Wood Without Compromise.” However, RevWood is a laminate flooring product that mimics the appearance and texture of wood. Further, although some advertising discloses that “RevWood combines the beauty of hardwood with the toughness of laminate,” NAD determined that these disclosures do not prevent the claim from being misleading because they contradict the claim.

For these reasons, NAD recommended that Mohawk discontinue using the slogan “Wood Without Compromise.”

“The Perfect Wood for Your Home”

NAD determined that one message reasonably conveyed by Mohawk’s use of “The Perfect Wood for Your Home” claim in the challenged advertising is that RevWood is wood. NAD noted that disclosures stating that RevWood products are laminates appear on the website in several sections far from the main claim and contradict the main claim. Therefore, NAD recommended Mohawk discontinue the claim to avoid conveying the message that RevWood is wood.

In its advertiser statement, Mohawk stated that it will appeal NAD’s decision regarding “Wood Without Compromise” because it believes “NAD did not give proper weight to the context within which the slogan is used, which prominently identifies the product as laminate wood, or to the substantial care consumers take in purchasing flooring products, both of which dispel any realistic potential for consumer confusion.” Mohawk also believes NAD did not give proper weight to evidence that “the product name is ‘laminate wood flooring’” and that “there is no evidence that even a single consumer has been confused…despite the fact that we have made prominent use of the slogan for more than five years.”

Appeals of NAD decisions are made to BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate-level truth-in-advertising body of BBB National Programs.

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

National Advertising Review Board Refers Certain Advertising Claims for Xfinity Mobile to Federal Trade Commission

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 9, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, has referred advertising claims made by Comcast Cable Communications Management, LLC to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) for review after the company declined to comply with NARB’s recommendations to modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for Xfinity Mobile.

Following NAD’s decision (Case No. 7160), Comcast appealed NAD’s recommendations to modify or discontinue certain challenged advertising claims. The advertising at issue had been challenged by AT&T Services, Inc.

Comcast (under the Xfinity Mobile brand) uses Verizon Wireless’ network to provide cellular service to its mobile customers. Xfinity Mobile customers use voice and data services on their mobile devices through (i) their Xfinity home internet, (ii) millions of public Xfinity WiFi hotspots if the customer is within range, or (iii) the Verizon Wireless cellular network.

 

The NARB panel affirmed NAD’s decision in its entirety and recommended that Comcast:

  • Modify its advertising to clearly and conspicuously disclose that its “fastest mobile service” claim is based on combined WiFi and cellular speeds and that the claim is true only within its WiFi footprint or when connected to WiFi;
  • Discontinue its “most reliable,” “highest ranked,” and “best network” claims for Xfinity Mobile; and
  • Clearly and conspicuously disclose in its advertising that to be eligible to subscribe to Xfinity Mobile, Xfinity Internet is required.

 

Finally, the NARB panel concluded that use of a hyperlink on the Xfinity Mobile website to make any of the recommended disclosures would not satisfy the conspicuous standard.

Comcast stated that it “disagrees with NARB’s decision and maintains that each of its claims is truthful and non-misleading.” Further, Comcast stated that “NARB disregarded relevant information and evidence concerning the network reliability Xfinity Mobile customers receive” and “because NARB’s decision would prohibit Comcast from truthfully promoting the network that Xfinity Mobile customers receive, Comcast cannot comply with NARB’s recommendation to discontinue these claims.”

Given Comcast’s decision not to comply with the NARB panel’s recommendations, NARB is referring the advertising to the FTC for possible enforcement action.

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 Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

National Advertising Review Board Recommends Shark Modify or Discontinue Certain Advertising Claims for Shark Stratos Vacuum

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 8, 2023 – A panel of the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, recommended that SharkNinja Operating, LLC modify or discontinue certain advertising claims for its Shark Stratos Powered Lift-Away upright vacuum. The claims relate to its “superior hair pick-up ability and odor neutralizing technology.”

Following an earlier decision by the National Advertising Division (NAD) (Case No. 7151), Shark appealed NAD’s recommendations to modify or discontinue the challenged advertising claims which appear in Shark’s 30-minute infomercial for the Stratos vacuum. The advertising at issue had been challenged by Dyson, Inc., maker of competing vacuum cleaners.

Best Hair Pickup Claims

In agreement with NAD, the NARB panel concluded that Shark’s testing against competitive vacuum cleaners did not support its category superiority claims to have the “best hair pick-up of any vacuum.” Rejecting Shark’s argument that it was reasonable for the advertiser to have limited the testing to upright brands that the advertiser claimed “specialize” in hair pickup, NARB found that the tests were inadequate because they evaluated less than 3% of all upright vacuum cleaner unit sales and also that the test methodology relied on was not acceptable in that it only tested pet hair.

Therefore, the NARB panel recommended Shark modify its advertising to avoid conveying the unsupported messages that the Stratos offers:

  • “The best hair pickup of any vacuum,”
  • “The best hair pickup of any upright vacuum in America,” and
  • “The most hair pickup from floor to dust cup of any vacuum in America.”

    •  

Odor Neutralizing Claims

The NARB panel also found that Shark’s infomercial conveys messages that all odors have been eliminated.

The NARB panel determined that the express claim that “Shark solves [the problem of vacuum odor] with a new and unique breakthrough odor neutralizer technology. This technology interacts with odor-causing particles and transforms the bad odors into fresh-smelling air. It’s so powerful, it continues to work month after month after month for long-lasting odor control” is unsupported and recommended that it be discontinued.

Further, the NARB panel agreed with NAD and found the demonstration shown in Shark’s infomercial in which several blindfolded consumers are shown evaluating the odor being emitted by the Stratos and two competitive vacuum models is unsupported.

The NARB panel also concluded that NAD properly recommended that Shark discontinue:

  • The implied claim that the Stratos reduced odor even when the cleaner head is not attached, and
  • The statement that the Stratos featured “a new and unique breakthrough odor neutralizer technology.”

    •  

Finally, the NARB panel adopted NAD’s recommendations to discontinue the following implied odor reduction messages conveyed in the infomercial:

  • Most consumers prefer the smell of the Stratos’ exhaust to that of the Bissell Powerforce Helix and the Dyson Ball Animal 2.
  • Most consumers find the Stratos’ exhaust to be affirmatively pleasant-smelling, whereas the same majority finds the Bissell Powerforce Helix’s and the Dyson Ball Animal 2’s exhausts to be affirmatively unpleasant smelling.
  • The “smell test” demonstration in Shark’s Stratos infomercial reflects the results of a robust and statistically significant study of representative consumers.
  • The Stratos’ “odor neutralizer” cartridge captures odor-carrying particles, or otherwise completely removes their offending odors, such that no unpleasant odors or unpleasant-smelling particles will travel farther into the vacuum.
  • The Stratos’ “odor neutralizer technology” is effective at preventing unpleasant odors from spreading through or escaping the Stratos, regardless of the vacuum’s cleaning mode or configuration, including when the product is used without its cleaner head.

    •  

In the alternative, the NARB panel recommended that Shark modify the claims to reflect the supported message that the Shark Stratos’ odor neutralization technology reduces malodor.

Shark stated that it “is a strong supporter of voluntary industry self-regulation and agrees to comply with NARB’s Recommendations.”

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 Information

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

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Case Law Analytics joins LexisNexis

Posted on by Operations Team

LexisNexis announces today the acquisition of Case Law Analytics, a French legaltech company specializing in the modeling of legal risk using artificial intelligence.

Paris, August 3, 2023 – Created in 2017, Case Law Analytics has developed a legal risk assessment solution based on a rigorous analysis of legal texts and the use of artificial intelligence and probabilistic models. The solution makes it possible to simulate the possible outcomes of litigation proceedings in more than twenty legal areas covering civil law, business law, social law. It provides valuable assistance in defining the best strategy to adopt to resolve a dispute, and easily find the case law closest to the case in question to better defend it. The company now supports 6,000 users, within insurance companies, law firms, legal departments and human resources.

Eric Bonnet-Maes, CEO LexisNexis Continental Europe, Middle East and Africa, says: “Case Law Analytics has established itself as a key player in France in the field of legal risk assessment, thanks to its artificial intelligence-enabled technology and predictive analytics tools for lawyers.  We see attractive opportunities to bring together Case Law Analytics with LexisNexis AI and generative AI legal solutions. This acquisition is perfectly in line with our strategy of developing productivity and decision support tools for legal professionals by leveraging the most efficient technologies on the market today.”

Jacques Lévy-Véhel, Founder and CEO of Caselaw Analytics, adds: “We are very happy to join LexisNexis. There are many synergies between our entities. This alliance with a global player in information and legal technologies will enable us to accelerate our growth and launch our internationalization strategy.  We look forward to working with the LexisNexis team to support the delivery of new insights and ways of working for the legal profession through the adoption of artificial intelligence.”

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 RELX

RELX is a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers. RELX serves customers in more than 180 countries and has offices in about 40 countries. It employs more than 33,000 people over 40% of whom are in North America. The shares of RELX PLC, the parent company, are traded on the London, Amsterdam and New York stock exchanges using the following ticker symbols: London: REL; Amsterdam: REN; New York: RELX.

The market capitalization is approximately £49.7bn/€58bn/$64bn

Contact Information

Name: Stephanie Sommese
Email: stephanie.sommese@lexisnexis.com
Job Title: Chief Communications Officer

Click Here to Visit Our Website

Following a National Advertising Division Challenge, Ginsey Adds Clarifying Disclosure to Advertising for its Antimicrobial Toilet Seats

Posted on by Operations Team

New York, NY – August 3, 2023 – In a challenge brought by Bemis Manufacturing Company, the National Advertising Division (NAD) of BBB National Programs determined that additional clarifying language was necessary to qualify claims made by Ginsey Industries, Inc. regarding the antimicrobial protections provided by its Clorox Antimicrobial line of toilet seats. Ginsey is a licensee of The Clorox Company, which was not a party to this matter.

The underlying efficacy of the antimicrobial properties of the toilet seat was not at issue in the case, which concerned the manner in which the antimicrobial benefit was communicated to consumers.

During the challenge Ginsey voluntarily committed to:

  • Add a disclosure (clarifying statement) to its product packaging and its advertising and all descriptions for products in which “antimicrobial” is used that “This product does not protect users against bacteria, viruses, or other disease organisms. Always clean and wash this product thoroughly before and after each use”; and
  • Revise all online product listings to remove the image of a shield that includes an antimicrobial checkmark image inside the Clorox chevron logo.

In addition, NAD recommended that Ginsey modify its advertising to ensure that the clarifying statement is clear and conspicuous, including that Ginsey:

  • Modify its website advertising by moving its clarifying statement into close proximity to the triggering “antimicrobial” claims; and
  • Work with retailers to implement similar modifications to advertising for its products on retailer websites.

NAD considered but was not persuaded by Bemis’ argument that the challenged advertising communicates the implied claim that a Clorox product (likely bleach) is the active ingredient in providing antimicrobial protection. NAD found that use of the Clorox brand name is not misleading when it is used together with the clarifying statement.

Finally, NAD recommended that the clarifying statement be clear and conspicuous and placed into close proximity to any claim that touts Ginsey’s products as being antimicrobial or containing antimicrobial properties including where the claim is coupled with the famous Clorox chevron logo on third-party sites.

In its advertiser statement, Ginsey stated that although it respectfully disagrees that “further modifications to its online product listings are necessary to protect consumers,” it agrees to comply with NAD’s decision.

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 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

LexisNexis Collaborates with Microsoft on Product Integrations and Generative AI Capabilities

Posted on by Operations Team

Fully integrated solutions create seamless, efficient workflows and deliver world-class, secure, AI-powered legal data, content and tools attorneys can trust

NEW YORK, August 2, 2023 – LexisNexis® Legal & Professional, a leading global provider of information and analytics, today announced the integration of AI-powered solutions with Microsoft 365. Both companies are also working on solutions integrating Microsoft Azure OpenAI, built on a long-standing relationship and experience working with AI and large language models, and previously announced plans for incorporating generative AI into its products.

These integrated products – Lexis+®, Lexis® Connect, Lexis® Create, and Lexis® Create Plugin with Microsoft 365 Copilot – provide legal professionals with intelligent, AI-powered tools, enhanced capabilities, and more efficient, guided workflow experiences where they already work the most: Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Teams. Additionally, LexisNexis is focused on enhancing its use of GPT-powered technology with Azure OpenAI Service which has already been rolled out to customers via Lexis+.

“Microsoft and LexisNexis have a long history of collaboration, and we’re excited about how our Microsoft-integrated products will help improve the lives and work product of legal professionals,” said Jeff Reihl, CTO of LexisNexis Legal & Professional. “Lexis Connect, Create and Copilot truly embody our strategy of creating a fully integrated ecosystem, inserting world-class legal data, content, and technologies directly into attorney workflows. To enhance this, we’re incorporating professional-grade generative AI capabilities into our current and future products to elevate legal work and help lawyers be more efficient at their jobs.”

“Lexis Connect applies the best of LexisNexis’ innovation and know-how to extend core Microsoft 365 capabilities and Azure OpenAI Service with a focus on supporting legal professionals’ success. It de silos work using a smarter collaboration space for legal and business professionals. This approach accelerates the journey to apply AI to real work that matters.” said Jason Barnwell, Associate General Counsel, Corporate, External, and Legal Affairs at Microsoft Corp.

LexisNexis products integrated with Microsoft include:

  • Lexis+: Azure OpenAI Service has been rolled out to customers via Lexis+.
  • Lexis Connect: An essential workflow tool for corporate legal departments built into Microsoft Teams with Microsoft Outlook integration. For employees, Lexis Connect features a conversational AI assistant that leverages internal corporate documents to answer simple legal questions, enabling attorneys to focus on high-value tasks. For legal departments, Lexis Connect features powerful work intake capabilities, automated task and matter assignment, centralized communications, insightful department analytics, and a conversational AI assistant that taps into Lexis+ and Practical Guidance for legal research and matter-related queries.
    • Lexis Connect will be commercially available in Q3, with generative AI capabilities added in Q4.
  • Lexis Create: A comprehensive, intelligent drafting solution built into Microsoft Word. Lexis Create puts Practical Guidance and Market Standards content, Shepard’s Citations, AI-powered Clause Intelligence, and other powerful recommendation and collaboration tools directly into legal drafting workflow, helping users work quickly and confidently throughout every stage of their draft.
    • Lexis Create will be commercially available in Q3, with extractive AI capabilities incorporated this summer and generative AI enhancements added in Q4. It will also integrate with the recently announced Agreement Analysis feature in Lexis+.
  • Lexis Create Plugin with Microsoft 365 Copilot: Bringing together the best of LexisNexis unparalleled legal data, citations and analytics with Microsoft 365 Copilot generative AI functionality, legal professionals can develop, draft, edit, and validate documents all within the Microsoft Word environment. This LexisNexis plugin within Microsoft 365 Copilot speeds work efficiency, effectiveness, and supports the development of exceptional work quality. LexisNexis will roll out its plugin for Microsoft 365 Copilot as Microsoft makes its service available to eligible customers.

In addition, Lexis+ customers benefit from large language model (LLM) functionality via Microsoft-backed OpenAI’s ChatGPT embedded into its flagship legal research solution. Launching this summer, Lexis+®AI, a generative AI platform, features conversational search, insightful summarization, and intelligent legal drafting capabilities, all supported by state-of-the-art encryption and privacy technology to keep sensitive data secure.

As part of its multi-model approach, the company is embedding a broad range of LLMs from OpenAI, including ChatGPT through the Azure OpenAI Service, and other providers to ensure that the best model is employed for each particular use case, that the performance capabilities are professional-grade, and that customer data and prompts and outputs are safe and secure.

LexisNexis is responsibly developing legal AI solutions with human oversight. LexisNexis, part of RELX, follows the RELX Responsible AI Principles, considering the real-world impact of its solutions on people and taking action to prevent the creation or reinforcement of unfair bias. The company’s commitment to data security and privacy in the legal industry spans more than 50 years. LexisNexis employs over 2,000 technologists, data scientists, and subject matter experts to develop, test, and validate its solutions and deliver comprehensive, accurate information.

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.

Media Contacts
Eric Sokolsky
Plat4orm PR
Cell:908 347 4661
eric@plat4orm.com

Stephanie Sommese
LexisNexis Legal & Professional
Stephanie.sommese@lexisnexis.com

Click Here to Visit Our Website