The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently filed a lawsuit against Erik Chevalier, who had initiated a crowdfunding campaign to raise money for the development of a board game. This was the first case in which the FTC has alleged false or deceptive advertising involving crowdfunding. The case quickly settled.
The FTC’s complaint asserted that Chevalier collected over $122,000, promising consumer/investors they would receive rewards, including a copy of the game. After several months, Chevalier announced he was abandoning the project, but apparently did not issue refunds to most consumer/investors, as the FTC received numerous complaints about the project.
As part of the settlement, Chevalier is prohibited from: (a) making misrepresentations about any crowdfunding campaign and (b) benefiting from any of the personal information obtained from consumer/investors. An $111,793 judgment is also part of the order, however is being suspended due to the defendant’s inability to pay.
With this first case behind it, the FTC will likely pursue future enforcement actions involving crowdfunding. Access the FTC’s press release here. Contact us at Ossian Law regarding any information technology law question.
UPCOMING PRESENTATIONS & WORKSHOPS
The Many Sides of Big Data
Wed., July 22nd, 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
How does the proliferation of data impact your business? Do your privacy policies reflect your actual data collection practices? How do your vendors use and share your customer or employee information? Can anonymized data be “re-identified”? These and other questions will be addressed by Information Technology Attorney Kathy Ossian in this informative session. Legal issues of Big Data will be explored from the data collector/aggregator, data subject and regulatory perspectives. Free admission includes continental breakfast. Seats are limited, so register here today!
“Twibel” and other Online Defamation
Thurs., Sept. 24th, 6:00-7:15 p.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
The first case of Twitter libel (“Twibel”) went to trial last year. Online defamation appears to be more prevalent than ever. Kathy Ossian will discuss the elements of libel and details of specific claims and results. Learn steps to avoid being the victim (or perpetrator) of online defamation. Free admission includes light hors d’oeuvres. Seats are limited so register here today!
Avoiding Technology-aided SNAFUs
Tues., Oct. 23rd, 8:00-9:15 a.m.
Ossian Law P.C. 701 Woodward Heights, Suite 117, Ferndale, MI 48220
Continually evolving technology makes our lives easier. As more activities become Internet-enabled, the potential for mistakes also increases. Kathy Ossian will provide specific examples of technology-aided SNAFUs, including those involving using and managing social media, email, web sites, mobile apps and online accounts. Learn steps designed to avoid technology-aided blunders. Free admission includes continental breakfast. Seats are limited, so register here today!
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