Before Patanjali, big brands that have been sued for false advertisements

What is happening with the Patanjali controversy?

On February 27, 2024, the Supreme Court issued a contempt notice to Ramdev and Balkrishna for continuing to publicize deceptive advertisements. It banned Patanjali from promoting products with unproven scientific claims of curing ailments such as heart conditions and asthma. Here are some other brands which have been in trouble for false advertising.

According to a lawsuit Taco Bell was falsely advertising its beef.

Taco Bell was falsely marketing their seasoned beef of being of a higher quality than it was. Taco Bell was vindicated and the lawsuit was withdrawn in April 2011.

Volkswagen falsely advertised environmental friendly diesel cars.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) filed a lawsuit against Volkswagen because it was advertising their vehicles as supposedly clean diesel, which is deceiving consumers. In 2015, alongside potential fines for false advertising, the company potentially had to pay out up to $61 billion for violating the Clean Air Act.

Activia yogurt falsely advertised that it had special bacterial ingredients.

Advertisements for popular Activia brand yogurt landed the company a class action settlement of $45 million in 2010. The yogurts were being advertised as being clinically and scientifically proven to boost immunity and helpful in regulating digestion.

Red Bull falsely advertised and said that it could give you wings.

Energy drinks company Red Bull was sued in 2014 for its slogan Red Bull gives you wings. because they marketed it with claims of improved concentration and reaction speed of a consumer. The company settled the class action case by agreeing to pay out a maximum of $13 million — including $10 to every US consumer who had bought the drink since 2002.

Wal-Mart falsely advertised the price of Coke in New York.

Walmart had advertised a nationwide sale on Coke in 2014, offering 12-packs for just $3. However, customers in New York State were charged $3.50 instead. Wal-Mart had to pay fines exceeding $66,000 after being found guilty of overcharging customers.

Olay falsely advertised it products to eradicate wrinkles in anti-aging products

In 2009, Olay marketed its products to help remove wrinkles with its anti-aging cream. The British advertising regulator ASA banned the ad after a lawmaker gathered more than 700 complaints against it. 

Kellogg falsely advertised that their products boost immune system.

Kelloggs was accused of falsely advertising about the products immunity-boosting properties. The case filed was settled in 2011 after Kellogg agreed to pay $2.5 million to affected consumers, alongside donating $2.5 million worth of Kellogg products to charity.