Category: Nexis Newswire

New York, NY – February 4, 2026 – In a BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division FastTrack SWIFT challenge initiated by competitor Digitalis Educational Solutions, the National Advertising Division (NAD) recommended Science Interactive Group (SIG) discontinue certain advertising claims promoting its StarLab dome and projection system.

Fast-Track SWIFT is an expedited challenge process designed for single-issue advertising cases brought to the NAD.

Digitalis manufactures digital planetariums and competes with SIG, which manufactures the StarLab dome and projection system marketed to educational institutions and can be used to demonstrate content and experiences for astronomy, geology, and meteorology.

NAD examined whether SIG’s “4K” descriptions of the StarLab system were truthful and not misleading.

The challenged claims describing a “4K projector” do not indicate anything else about the specific resolution of the projected images and do not appear in proximity to SIG’s disclosure of the technical specifications for the actual resolution visible on the dome. NAD determined that, in the contexts in which the 4K projector claims appear, the claims may convey the unsupported message that users viewing content while using the StarLab system will see images projected on the dome in 4K quality resolution. More specifically, they may not understand that “4K” is a theoretical level of resolution for projection onto a flat screen and not what is achieved on the actual StarLab dome, which is less than 4K resolution.

NAD further found that SIG’s separate disclosure of the dome’s actual resolution (3.66 megapixels) was insufficient because it contradicted, rather than qualified, the “4K” claims.

Accordingly, NAD recommended that SIG discontinue the claims “State-of-the-art 4k Projector…,” “Bring breathtaking clarity, cinematic realism, and stunning dimension to every lesson with the new StarLab 4k projector,” and “Our native 4K projector will enable you to bring all your visuals to life in stunning detail whether they’re 4K or native resolution.”

During the inquiry, SIG voluntarily permanently discontinued certain claims, including “Give your students the 4k experience!” “Cutting Edge Technology: 4K projection,” and “Using 3840×2160 pixels – that’s more than 8 million pixels – Star Lab 4K projection produces unmatched clarity and stunning dimension for any content.” Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the discontinued claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued and SIG agreed to comply.

In its advertiser statement, SIG stated though it disagrees with certain recommendations, it “will comply with NAD’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. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for 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 20 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 fair competition 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 promoting fair competition for business.  

NEW YORK, FEBRUARY 4, 2026 — LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional, a global leader in private, secure, authoritative legal workflow solutions, today announced the launch of Tolley+ with Protégé in the US, combining the trusted legacy of Tolley, the preeminent name for tax intelligence in the UK, with LexisNexis Protégé. The US launch builds on the successful launch of Tolley+ with Protégé in the UK.

Tolley+ with Protégé marks a major milestone in the evolution of LexisNexis tax offerings, now delivering the most advanced AI-powered tools, insights, and expertise to tax professionals across the US.

“The introduction of Tolley+ with Protégé is an important step in our mission to bring together world-class tax intelligence and technology tools to serve the US market,” said Sean Fitzpatrick, CEO, LexisNexis North America, UK & Ireland. “Tolley+ with Protégé combines the deep expertise trusted by generations of tax practitioners with cutting-edge AI that is transforming professional services.”

AI for Tax Professionals

Tolley+ with Protégé enhances precision, streamlines complex tax workflows, and empowers professionals to deliver faster, more accurate results by:

• Accelerating work and reducing manual review time.
• Surfacing deeper insights from authoritative sources.
• Enabling conversational, generative user experiences.
• Delivering personalized, context-aware recommendations.

These innovations support tax professionals navigating an increasingly complex regulatory landscape with confidence and efficiency.

Building on the Strength of Tolley

For more than a century, Tolley has been synonymous with excellence in tax information and practice in the UK. Tolley is relied upon by tax professionals, accountants, and legal practitioners for its comprehensive research tools, authoritative commentary, and training resources.

In the UK, Tolley’s brand heritage has made it the go-to resource for both practitioners and educators, with products and features such as Tolley+ AI, Tolley+ Tax Tools, and Tolley VAT Advisor setting the standard for technical accuracy and usability. That same legacy of trust and expertise will now extend to US professionals through Tolley+ with Protégé, supported by the latest advancements in LexisNexis AI technology.

“Tolley+ with Protégé redefines what tax work can look like in the AI era,” said Jeff Pfeifer, Chief Product Officer, LexisNexis Legal & Professional. “Our customers will experience an intuitive, intelligent solution built for the future of professional tax practice.”

To learn more about Tolley+ with Protégé, visit: Tolley+.

About LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional   

LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional provides AI-powered legal, regulatory, business information, analytics, and workflows 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 11,800 employees worldwide, is part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and business customers.   

Las Vegas, NV, (February 3, 2026) — Edvisors, a trusted resource for college financing information, has announced the introduction of a new monthly $3,000 scholarship for graduate students. 

The introduction of this scholarship is timely as students prepare for changes to federal loan limits set to take effect this July, 2026.  These new loan limits along with the elimination of the Grad PLUS loan, is causing concern that students may not be able to  secure enough funding for their advanced degrees.

With the cost of graduate programs rising and federal borrowing options facing new restrictions, many students are searching for alternative funding sources. This Monthly $3,000 Graduate Student Scholarship aims to help bridge any financial aid gaps. The scholarship reflects the organization’s ongoing commitment to making higher education more accessible and affordable for students at every stage of their academic journey.

“At Edvisors, we understand that pursuing a graduate degree is a significant investment in one’s future, and we are dedicated to ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of ambition,” said Sravani Atluri, Chief Marketing Officer at Edvisors. “With the impending changes to federal loan limits, it is more important than ever to offer tangible support. This scholarship is a testament to our mission of empowering students to achieve their career goals by providing the resources they need to succeed.”

Eligible students can apply for the scholarship through the Edvisors website. Entry forms only take a few minutes to complete.  One scholarship will be awarded each month. Edvisors encourages all current and prospective graduate students to explore this opportunity as well as other scholarships on their site to help students pay for college

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 firsthand experiences, to help individuals through college and beyond. Every year, millions of students and their families turn to the Edvisors.com, for timely, accurate information, advice and tools that help them confidently make the best decisions about paying for college. Founded in 1998, Edvisors is based in Las Vegas, Nevada. More information can be found www.edvisors.com.

Settlement remains most common resolution, but substantially lags rates in other civil litigation categories

San Jose, CA — January 29, 2026 — Lex Machina®, the LexisNexis® Legal Analytics® platform, today announced the release of its 2026 Trade Secret Litigation Report, delivering a comprehensive analysis of trade secret litigation in US federal courts since 2016. With this report, legal professionals have actionable, data-driven insights to better assess risk, strategy, and outcomes in trade secret litigation.

Key findings from the report include: 

• Record federal trade secret cases: Trade secret filings reached their highest level in the past decade. In 2025, filings reached over 1,500 cases, the highest total ever recorded. The Central District of California was the most active venue for trade secret litigation in 2025, with 100 newly  filed lawsuits. This jump in filings signals a competitive landscape in which early decisions around  case assessment and venue selection can potentially shape outcomes before a case gains  momentum.
• Not all DTSA: Although causes of action asserted under the federal Defend Trade Secrets Act (“DTSA”) continue to appear in more than 80 percent of new trade-secret lawsuits in federal courts each year, there are signs of renewed reliance on trade-secret claims asserted under state  law. In each of the last two years, the frequency of state-law-only trade-secret claims increased in  federal courts. This may be attributable in part to significant legal developments in 2023 and  2024. The revitalized use of state-law trade secret claims makes it important for practitioners to  understand how evolving legal standards from multiple jurisdictions affect liability risk.
• Lower settlement rates than other practice areas: Settlement remains the most common resolution for trade secret cases, with about 65 percent of district court cases resolving through likely settlement between 2023 and 2025. However, this rate is substantially lower than settlement rates observed in many other categories of federal civil litigation. Practitioners can  incorporate analytical insights from Lex Machina to pressure-test pretrial strategies in trade secret  cases that tend to have longer timelines and lower settlement rates.

“The Lex Machina 2026 Trade Secret Litigation Report provides a comprehensive analysis of federal  trade secret litigation at a critical inflection point, with filings reaching an all-time high and emerging shifts  toward state law claims,” said Emily Pavuluri, Assistant Director of Faculty Services and Lecturer in  Law at Vanderbilt Law School. “This report offers valuable, data-driven insights into case timing,  settlement patterns, and damage trends, helping counsel develop more effective litigation strategies for  their clients.”

“The Trade Secret Litigation Report highlights just how high-stakes and complex these cases have  become,” said Eric Wright, senior vice president of Lex Machina at LexisNexis. “From 2023 to 2025,  cases that reached trial took a median of 1,124 days, while juries awarded more than $716 million in  actual damages and $510 million in punitive damages. These findings give practitioners concrete  benchmarks for assessing risk, timing, and potential exposure in trade secret disputes.”

To request a copy of the report, visit LexisNexis.com/LexMachina. 

The Lex Machina Legal Analytics platform equips litigation professionals to win more cases and  generate business. From precise timing metrics that inform legal budgeting to trend data on top law firms and leading judges, Lex Machina uniquely supplements traditional legal research and experience with  customized, data-backed insights. These insights help lawyers identify and pursue new matters, navigate  motion and trial strategies, and negotiate smarter settlements, ultimately giving firms a competitive edge  in litigation. 

About LexisNexis Legal & Professional 

LexisNexis® Legal & Professional provides AI-powered legal, regulatory, business information, analytics and workflows 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 11,800 employees worldwide, is  part of RELX, a global provider of information-based analytics and decision tools for professional and  business customers. 

About Lex Machina 

Lex Machina fundamentally changes how companies and law firms compete in the business and practice of law. The company provides strategic insights on judges, lawyers, law firms, parties, and other critical information across 22 federal practice areas and a rapidly growing number of state courts. Lex Machina allows law firms and companies to anticipate the behaviors and outcomes that different legal strategies  will produce, enabling them to win cases and close business. 

Lex Machina was named Winner of the “Overall LegalTech Data Solution Provider of the Year” LegalTech  Breakthrough Award 2025, “Best Data Analytics & Insight Solution” 2025 CODiE Award, one of Forbes’  Best Workplaces in the Bay Area in 2024, Winner of the “Media Excellence Award” for Analytics/Big Data  2024, “Great Places to Work” (2023-2024), one of “Legal Tech’s Most Promising Solution Providers” (CIO  Review Awards 2022), “Greater Bay Area Top Workplaces 2022” (The San Francisco Chronicle Top  Workplaces in the Bay Area 2022), “Legal Tech Company of the Year 2021″ (CIO Review, 2021), “2021  Legal Technology Trailblazer” (National Law Journal Trailblazer Awards, 2021), and Winner of the “Media  Excellence” Award for Analytics/Big Data (13th Annual Media Excellence Award, 2021). Based in Silicon Valley, Lex Machina is part of LexisNexis, a leading global provider of legal, regulatory, and business  information and analytics. For more information, please visit www.lexmachina.com. 

Eric Wright is senior vice president of Lex Machina and Print at LexisNexis and serves as CEO of  LexisNexis Canada.

Media Contact 

Venture PR

lexmachina@venturepr.co

New York, NY – January 29 – In a challenge brought by competitor Henkel Corporation, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division found certain claims supported but recommended that Revlon Consumer Products LLC modify or discontinue other claims for its Revlon ColorSilk with Bond Repair Complex product.

Henkel challenged express and implied claims made on product packaging, Revlon’s website and social media pages, and on third-party retailer sites such as Target.

Bond Repair Complex Claim

As support for its “with Bond Repair Complex” claim, Revlon submitted tensile strength and hair penetration studies for the key active ingredients in the ColorSilk product.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) determined that Revlon’s evidence provided a reasonable basis for the claim that Revlon ColorSilk is made “with a Bond Repair Complex.”

“Repairs Hair from the Inside Out”

NAD found that the performance claim “repairs hair from the inside out” conveys the message that the product produces significant if not complete repair of the hair fiber. While the totality of the evidence does show some level of cortex penetration by the product’s ingredients, NAD found it is not robust enough to support the broader message of “repair from the inside out.”

Therefore, NAD recommended that the claim “repairs hair from the inside out” be discontinued.

“Up To” Performance Claims

“Up to 98% Less Breakage”

Both Revlon and Henkel provided anti-breakage studies. NAD determined Revlon’s study was reliable and that the differences in results were not excessive and could reasonably be attributed to differences in testing apparatus, number of combings, and other protocol variables, and concluded that Henkel did not present stronger evidence or demonstrate that Revlon’s testing was fatally flawed.

Therefore, NAD determined that Revlon had a reasonable basis for its “up to 98% less breakage” claim.

“Up to 94% Smoother” and “Up to 94% Silkier”

Revlon submitted a wet combing study, which showed a 94.9% reduction in combing force for hair treated with the ColorSilk system versus untreated hair. NAD determined the study was reliable; however, NAD noted that in light of the imagery accompanying the claims, consumers could interpret unqualified claims as applying to dry hair, a claim for which Revlon provided no support. NAD therefore recommended that Revlon discontinue the “up to 94% smoother” and “up to 94% silkier” claims or modify its advertising to clearly indicate the basis of the claim through qualifying language or contextual cues.

“[Up to] 9x Shinier”

Revlon voluntarily agreed to modify the “9x shinier” claim by:

• Revising its packaging and advertising so the “up to” qualifier more clearly applies to both the “94% smoother” and “9x shinier” claims; and
• Including a disclaimer explaining the claim is based on testing for Revlon’s Medium Brown shade and that shine results may vary depending on shade selected.

In support of its claim, Revlon submitted a study comparing shine values of untreated hair to hair treated with the ColorSilk system in the Medium Brown shade. Henkel also submitted a shine test.

NAD determined that the Revlon study reliably measured shine under consumer-relevant conditions, and that the differences between the parties’ results could be attributed to differences in testing apparatus, and other variables.

Before and After Photographs

NAD considered the challenged implied claim that “Before and After pictures are authentic and represent typical and expected performance benefits for multiple hair types and colors.”

NAD determined that Revlon’s assurances as to the authenticity of the photos, and the fact that the images did not appear on every ColorSilk box, coupled with Revlon’s commitment to include a disclosure that the claim is based on testing of the Medium Brown shade and that results may vary by shade, adequately addressed Henkel’s concerns. Therefore, NAD concluded that the challenged implied claim is supported.

During the proceeding, Revlon also stated it would modify influencer content by adding a clear and conspicuous material connection disclosure. NAD did not review the modification on its merits and for compliance purposes, will treat the modification as though NAD recommended it and Revlon agreed to comply.

In its advertiser statement, Revlon stated it “agrees to comply with NAD’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. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for 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 20 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 fair competition 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 create fair competition for business.  

New York, NY – January 29, 2026 – In a challenge brought by Buckingham Manufacturing, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended Bashlin Industries, Inc. discontinue or modify certain “Made in USA” claims and related messaging that could convey its products are all or virtually all made domestically.

Bashlin and Buckingham are manufacturers of equipment and tools for line workers in multiple industries.

The National Advertising Division (NAD) found the challenged claims convey an unqualified message that the Bashlin products at issue are wholly Made in USA. The Made in USA message is reinforced by the express language on the product labels and webpages, which include images of the Made in USA claim without qualification or disclosure that some products may only be assembled in the USA with foreign parts/components.

NAD also found that Made in USA claims that appeared in Bashlin’s safety videos are national advertising because they are widely distributed and available to any consumer on the internet and, despite containing on-screen disclosures, have the purpose of persuading the audience of the value and usefulness of the products.

Bashlin Climbers

NAD found that consumers are not able to discern from Bashlin’s advertising which part of Bashlin’s climbers contain more than a negligible amount of content of undetermined origin. Therefore, NAD recommended that Bashlin discontinue its unqualified Made in USA claims for its climbers or modify the claims to include appropriate qualifications.

Third-Party Manufactured Products

A MUSA stamp appears on the underside of Bashlin’s branded canvas bucket on the hard plastic bottom, a component that is purchased from a manufacturing company in Georgia that is responsible for the stamp.

NAD found that the MUSA stamp that appears without qualification reasonably conveys an unqualified message that the whole bucket satisfies the FTC’s “all or virtually all” standard for Made in the USA claims and that a reasonable consumer would not be able to understand that that MUSA stamp applied only to the bucket bottom and not the entire bucket. NAD recommended that Bashlin discontinue the MUSA claims for the Bashlin branded tool bucket or modify them to include appropriate qualifications.

Regarding Bashlin’s bucket knuckle and hat liner products, NAD found that Bashlin’s reliance on its status as a reseller does not relieve Bashlin of responsibility for the truth and accuracy of the claims it makes on its own website. Because Bashlin had no substantiation for its unqualified Made in USA claims for the bucket knuckle and hat liner products, NAD recommended that Bashlin discontinue the claims or modify them to include appropriate qualifications.

Use of Flag Imagery and Implied Claims

NAD found that Bashlin’s America flag-style “B” logo and other patriotic imagery conveyed an implied Made in USA message. NAD determined that when such imagery appears adjacent to product descriptions, in videos, or alongside other U.S.-origin references, it could reasonably communicate to consumers an implied Made in USA message. NAD recommended that Bashlin either discontinue using the American flag logo and imagery in these contexts or modify such uses to avoid conveying an unsupported implied country of origin claim.

NAD found, however, that when the imagery appears far removed from product information, it would not be reasonably understood by consumers to mean that all of Bashlin’s products are Made in USA.

During the inquiry, Bashlin indicated that it had previously modified the label on one of its harnesses to read “Assembled in USA.” Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the modified claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be modified, and Bashlin agreed to comply.

In its advertiser statement, Bashlin said, “although it does not agree with NAD’s recommendations, Bashlin supports the self-regulatory process and will seek to comply with its 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. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for 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 20 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 fair competition 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 create fair competition for business.  

New York, NY – January 27, 2026 – In a challenge submitted by TTi Outdoor Power Equipment, Inc., BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division recommended Westinghouse Outdoor Power Equipment discontinue certain pressure washer performance claims and modify others.

TTi and Westinghouse both manufacture and sell electric pressure washers. At issue for NAD were challenged express and implied claims regarding the pressure and flow rate performance of Westinghouse electric pressure washers.

The performance of pressure washers is generally measured by pounds per square inch (PSI) and gallons per minute (GPM). These measures are inversely related when a pressure washer is in use—setting a pressure washer for maximum PSI necessarily results in lower GPM, and vice versa.

In support of its “max PSI” and “max GPM” claims, Westinghouse submitted factory testing and more recent routine post-production testing. NAD determined that the evidence submitted did not include sufficient information regarding test methodology or analysis to assess the reliability of the results and did not support the challenged express claims. NAD therefore recommended that Westinghouse discontinue the challenged express performance claims.

NAD also concluded that Westinghouse’s advertising conveys the unsupported message that consumers can achieve both maximum pressure and maximum flow rate simultaneously during ordinary use. NAD recommended that Westinghouse modify its advertising to avoid conveying this implied claim.

In its advertiser statement, Westinghouse stated that it “agrees with NAD’s position regarding the implied claim and disagrees on the express claims,” and as a result Westinghouse stated that it will not comply with NAD’s recommendations regarding the challenged express claims.

Accordingly, pursuant to its procedures, NAD will be referring the matter to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and other appropriate government agencies, as well as to the platforms on which the advertising appeared and with which NAD has a reporting relationship, for review and 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. Pursuant to NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for 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 20 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 fair competition 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 creating fair competition for business.

New York, NY, January 26, 2026 – In a challenge brought by competitor Tri-Lynx Corporation, BBB National Programs’ National Advertising Division reviewed express and implied advertising claims made by Camco Manufacturing, LLC for its FasTen-branded recreation vehicle (RV) leveling blocks, including number one claims.

Tri-Lynx and Camco both market and sell RV leveling blocks. At issue for the National Advertising Division (NAD) were Camco’s express and implied claims that its FasTen-branded RV leveling blocks are “America’s #1 RV Leveling Blocks” and “America’s #1 RV Blocks for Leveling,” which appeared on product labeling, in Camco’s online catalog, and on retailer websites.

During the inquiry, Camco informed NAD that it had permanently discontinued the challenged claims. Therefore, NAD did not review the claims on their merits and will treat the discontinued claims, for compliance purposes, as though NAD recommended they be discontinued and Camco agreed to comply.

In its advertiser statement, Camco stated that it “appreciates the National Advertising Division’s review” and has chosen to update its advertising language to align with NAD’s guidance.

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/NARB Procedures, this release may not be used for 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 20 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 fair competition 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 create fair competition for business.  

Published by LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions, New Analysis Reinforces Importance of Patent Accuracy for Companies to Increase Licensing Revenue

NEW YORK, January 26, 2026 — LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional, a leading provider of intelligent patent analytics, today released “Who Is Leading the 5G Patent Race 2026,” a new analysis tracking the companies, economics, and trends driving the 5G patent space. The report was published by LexisNexis^® Intellectual Property Solutions, the company’s global business unit dedicated to patent analytics, portfolio strategy, and licensing intelligence.

According to the report, the global 5G patent landscape continues to be dominated by major patentholders whose standard-essential patents (SEP) underpin an estimated $15 billion annual 5G licensing market. The report also reinforces the importance of patent data accuracy as a business driver for individual companies, as millions in annual licensing value can shift as courts, licensors, and implementers rely on patent data to inform licensing negotiations, litigation strategies, and FRAND determinations.

As 5G implementation accelerates beyond smartphones into industrial IoT, automotive, healthcare, and critical infrastructure, SEPs are playing an increasingly central role in shaping global technology markets. The 2026 analysis examines leadership across granted and active 5G patent family declarations, value-adjusted portfolio indicators, and technical contributions to the 3GPP standardization process.

Key findings from the 2026 analysis include:

• Huawei, Qualcomm, Samsung, and Ericsson continued to lead the global ranking of 5G patent powerhouses as assessed by granted and active 5G patent family volume, portfolio impact, and standards contributions.
• Patent data accuracy has a significant financial impact, as even small discrepancies in perceived portfolio share can translate into hundreds of millions of dollars in annual licensing value in a $15 billion global market.
• New entrants to the Top 50 list in 2026 include research-focused organizations, licensing and investment-led IP holders, and automotive and IoT connectivity specialists, which replaced several operator-centric and diversified industrial portfolios that fell below the Top 50 threshold.
• Top 50 5G patent owners reflected broad geographic diversity, with companies headquartered in China (14), Japan (9), the United States (9), Europe (7), Taiwan (5), South Korea (5), and Canada (1).
• Patent data is increasingly relied upon in FRAND determinations, making the quality, consistency, and verification of declaration data a critical factor for both licensors and implementers

Top 10 5G Patent Leaders 2026

The Top 10 ultimate patent owners based on granted and active 5G patent families, value-adjusted portfolio indicators, and sustained participation in 3GPP standards development.

Rank	Company	HQ	Rank by 5G patent families	Rank by Patent Asset Index of 5G patent families	Rank by 5G-relevant 3GPP contributions
1	Huawei	CN	1	2	1
2	Qualcomm	US	2	1	4
3	Samsung	KR	4	3	5
4	Ericsson	SE	5	5	2
5	LG Electronics	KR	3	4	10
6	ZTE	CN	6	6	6
7	Nokia	FI	7	8	3
8	vivo Holdings	CN	9	10	11
9	CICT (CICT Group + CICT Mobile)	CN	10	14	7
10	Oppo	CN	8	13	14

“As 5G licensing moves deeper into industrial, automotive, and infrastructure markets, the financial stakes tied to patent data accuracy continue to rise,” said Tim Pohlmann, Director of SEP Analytics for LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. “In a licensing environment of this scale, even small differences in how 5G patent portfolios are measured can materially influence negotiations. That is why verified, unbiased data has become essential, not only for understanding who leads the 5G patent race, but for supporting defensible, data-driven FRAND discussions.”

Raising the bar on 5G declaration data

The 2026 analysis is grounded in the Cellular Verified initiative led by LexisNexis Intellectual Property Solutions. Through this initiative, LexisNexis compared public ETSI declaration data with internal records from 35 ETSI-declaring companies, applying rigorous matching, normalization, patent family expansion, and corporate-tree ownership analysis.

This validation process is designed to reduce bias introduced by differing declaration practices and to provide a more accurate and impartial representation of declared 5G patent portfolios, an increasingly critical requirement as rankings and portfolio assessments are used as economic and legal reference points in licensing and litigation contexts.

The full “Who Is Leading the 5G Patent Race 2026” analysis, including the Top 50 5G Patent Rankings 2026 and detailed information on the underlying data methodology and validation process, is available at www.LexisNexisIP.com/5G-Report-2026

About LexisNexis^® Legal & Professional 

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New York, NY – January 22, 2026 – The National Advertising Review Board (NARB), the appellate advertising body of BBB National Programs, has concluded that T-Mobile US, Inc. failed to comply with the recommendations regarding T-Mobile’s cost savings claims for its cellular service plans.

The underlying National Advertising Division (NAD) proceeding (Case #7415) was brought by competitor Verizon Communications Inc. NAD recommended that T-Mobile discontinue savings claims that appeared in a “Save on Every Plan” brochure, two commercials, “Top Three Plays of the Day” and “Holidays Are Coming in Hot: Families: Save 20%,” a T-Mobile USA press release, and on T-Mobile’s Savings Calculator website.

T-Mobile appealed NAD’s decision to NARB (NARB Panel #7415-340). In the appeal, the NARB panel affirmed NAD’s decision and recommended that T-Mobile discontinue the express savings claims:

• “Families can switch and save 20% vs. the other big guys plans plus streaming services.”
• “Switch and save versus AT&T and Verizon’s comparable plans plus streaming.”

The NARB panel also recommended that T-Mobile modify its advertising to avoid certain unsupported implied claims. In its advertiser statement, T-Mobile stated that while it “disagrees with the panel’s decision,” it would comply.

Following the decision, Verizon requested a compliance inquiry asserting that T-Mobile’s revised advertising continued to convey the same misleading message that consumers who switch to T-Mobile from Verizon can save 20% and that those savings are achieved through plan costs alone. NARB initiated a compliance review and, in October 2025, recommended that T-Mobile discontinue or modify the claims then under review. T-Mobile agreed to comply (NARB Case #7415-340C).

T-Mobile again revised its price superiority claims. A new version of the 20% claim (save up to 20%) was accompanied by the following disclaimer: “By getting built-in benefits they leave out.”

Verizon subsequently requested a second compliance review, arguing that T-Mobile’s newest version of its cost savings claim reflected “superficial, cosmetic tweaks” and that the “core takeaway” remained unchanged — that consumers could achieve the touted savings through plan costs alone, independent of any ancillary, optional third-party services. NARB initiated a second compliance review in December 2025.

In its response, T-Mobile argued that it had made substantial changes to its advertising, acted in good faith, and that several challenged advertisements had already been discontinued. T-Mobile also asserted that its new claims were “materially different” from those previously reviewed, and therefore NARB should not conduct a compliance inquiry.

NARB concluded that T-Mobile’s new disclaimer language was not sufficiently clear to put reasonable consumers on notice that the price comparison included the cost of ancillary services beyond basic cellular service.

NARB further concluded that T-Mobile had not made a bona fide attempt to bring its advertising into compliance with the decision and recommendations in NARB Panel 340, even though it had had ample time to comply.

While NARB had initially decided to refer the matter to the FTC, subsequent to sending the compliance decision to T-Mobile, the advertiser advised NARB of T-Mobile’s plans to petition the NAD to re-open the proceeding to evaluate new substantiation for 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. Per NAD/NARB Procedures, this release may 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 20 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, promote fair competition 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.