Steven Brown
ACCC puts brands on notice over Covid claims
The Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) has put brands on notice after it commenced proceedings in the Federal Court against Lorna Jane Activewear for alleged false and misleading claims in breach of Australian Consumer Law. Lorna Jane made claims online and in-store that said: “With Lorna Jane Shield on our garments it means that we were completely eliminating the possibility of spreading any deadly viruses” and “LJ Shield – Protecting you with ANTI-VIRUS ACTIVEWEAR”. Lorna Jane’s founder is also in trouble for allegedly misleading personal Instagram posts in a similar vein. Commercial Lawyer, Steven Brown, explains why the ACCC might be troubled by such claims during a pandemic and has some advice for consumers when faced with advertising or marketing claims that push the boundaries of belief.