Are there any laws governing the use of celebrities for endorsement or testimonials?

In California, there are laws governing the use of celebrities for endorsement or testimonials. The California Business and Professions Code, Section 17515, forbids businesses from making a false or deceptive advertisement. This means that advertisers must not make any statements that may mislead consumers. When it comes to celebrity endorsements, there are a few rules that must be followed. First, the celebrity must disclose that they are being compensated for their endorsement. This applies to both paid and unpaid endorsements. This disclosure must be clear and conspicuous, meaning it should be easily seen and understood by the viewer. Second, businesses must have a written agreement with the celebrity that outlines the terms of the endorsement. This agreement should include details on how the celebrity is being compensated, for how long the endorsement will run, and the celebrity’s obligations, such as any appearance fees. Finally, celebrities must have a reasonable basis for making their endorsement. This means they should have some personal experience with the product or service they are endorsing. Any false or deceptive statements could lead to legal consequences for both the celebrity and the business.

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