PODCAST: Williams Mullen's Trending Now: An IP Podcast - Sweepstakes and Contests
Conducting a sweepstakes promotion through a social media venue provides businesses with a potent marketing combination: Sweepstakes sponsors can increase engagement with their social media accounts, while increasing brand...more
Pillsbury’s communications lawyers have published the FCC Enforcement Monitor monthly since 1999 to inform our clients of notable FCC enforcement actions against FCC license holders and others....more
This week Donald J. Trump announced that “Back by popular demand” he’s offering his new (Series 4) Trump Digital Trading Cards (NFTs). Being the glutton for punishment that I am, I went to the website to review the offer and...more
By awarding prizes in connection with a sweepstakes promotion, a business can generate valuable publicity and goodwill. This is especially true when the sweepstakes sponsor is able to publish the name and/or likeness of the...more
The allure of prizes offered in a sweepstakes promotion can be an effective means of attracting consumers to a brand and/or its specific products/services. This is especially true when the prize in question involves...more
The impact of social media is undeniable in today’s society. Whether it is utilized for personal use, maintaining family connections, or capitalizing on the latest trends, social media is interwoven into the fabric of...more
On May 23, 2024, the United States Supreme Court decided Coinbase, Inc., v. Suski, No. 23-3, serving a reminder to companies with mandatory consumer-facing arbitration provisions that contractual consistency is a key to...more
"Promotions aren't just about the likes, they're about the law," is the caption that accompanies the UK Financial Conduct Authority's (FCA) recent decision to charge nine influencers in connection with the promotion on social...more
In a case that has been closely watched by the charitable sector, on June 3, 2024, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 11th Circuit issued a decision blocking a race-based grant program that provided funds and mentorship to...more
“Slick Willie” Sutton knew why he robbed banks – “Because that’s where the money is.” Likewise, there is money to be made in running sweepstakes. The question arises for the intrepid entrepreneur – why not just sell anything...more
On April 11, 2024, New York Senator Joe Addabbo introduced a bill proposing major changes to New York’s fantasy sports law. S9044 seeks to alter the landscape of fantasy sports contests in New York in several ways. As our...more
Sweepstakes promotions can be valuable tools for businesses seeking to attract new customers. Unlike static ads, newsletter sign-ups and other basic website registration forms, sweepstakes incentivize consumers to provide...more
The CFTC’s proposed rules specify that certain event contracts involving gaming (such as political contests, awards contests, and sports competitions), war, terrorism, assassination, and unlawful activities under federal or...more
California has approved final regulations (Final Regulations) to implement Assembly Bill 488 (AB 488), which was signed into law in October 2021. The law amended The Supervision of Trustees and Fundraisers for Charitable...more
If you’re a contestant in a radio or TV contest, it’s important to follow the rules of the contest, lest you be disqualified. Likewise, if you’re a broadcaster conducting an on-air contest, it’s important to follow the rules...more
The Ministry of Economy in the UAE has recently introduced a comprehensive list of violations under Cabinet Decision No. 66/2023 concerning the Executive Regulation of Federal Law No. 15/2020 on Consumer Protection. Federal...more
Nelson Mullins invites you to join hosts John Heitmann and Joshua Guyan as they welcome Kelly Whitehart who will provide our communications, internet, and technology clients an overview of advertising and marketing issues...more
Earlier this week, Stryve Foods, Inc. (“Stryve”) announced the launch of its Bitcoin sweepstakes – allegedly the first of its kind by a meat snack purveyor. Participants will be given the chance to win one of five prizes,...more
Tennessee and Utah have revised the scope of their charitable fundraising laws. These changes will affect how and what nonprofit organizations registered to solicit in those states must disclose to state charity regulators....more
When it comes to mitigating the risk of class action lawsuits, the best offense is a good defense. Companies can take many steps to reduce their exposure to class action litigation before it happens, including the tactics...more
In preparing to conduct a sweepstakes promotion, the first step often involves the sweepstakes operator hiring an attorney to draft a set of Contest Rules that will govern the promotion. While it makes sense to begin with the...more
We’ve seen this scenario (one too) many times before: the business/marketing team comes to the in-house legal team and wants to run a sweepstakes or contest to promote a brand or a new product line. Surprise! They are hoping...more
Maybe it’s just me, but I think when promotion lawyers see an innovative sweepstakes, they think about the legal issues raised. I’m sure the jurisconsults debated over whether Tali, Terni Lapilli and Ludus Latrunculorum could...more
Recent headlines on a lawsuit against American Airlines for loyalty account closures give us a good excuse to examine this issue. A loyalty program or rewards program, two different names for the same thing, is a popular tool...more