14 Sep FALSE ADVERTISING EXPERT WITNESSES, TESTIFYING PROS AND TESTIMONY CONSULTANTS
False advertising expert witnesses know that cases tend to involve questions about consumer perception, marketing practices, and regulatory compliance. To address these issues, attorneys tend to retain and hire the field’s top false advertising expert witnesses with specialized expertise tailored to the specific allegations. Advisors come from differing professional backgrounds, and the type needed depends on the nature of the case. Below are the most common types you’d encounter.
1. Marketing and Advertising Experts
Focus on branding, advertising strategy, and promotional messaging. As false advertising expert witnesses, reviewers analyze whether promotional content was misleading, exaggerated, or deceptive, and whether it followed industry standards. SMEs also examine how the average consumer is likely to interpret the message, a vital issue in many cases.
2. Consumer Behavior Experts
Generally trained in psychology or areas like business, consulting and market research, false advertising expert witnesses assess how consumers perceive and respond to advertising. KOLs may conduct surveys or focus groups to determine whether a message is likely to confuse or mislead a typical buyer. Findings are especially important in class action suits or Lanham Act cases where consumer perception is at issue.
3. Regulatory and Compliance Experts
Such false advertising expert witnesses are well-versed in laws and guidelines, such as those from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC), Food and Drug Administration (FDA), or state-level consumer protection laws. KOLs provide opinions on whether a marketing claim violates legal standards or fails to meet disclosure requirements.
4. Scientific or Technical Experts
In cases involving health, environmental, or product performance claims, false advertising expert witnesses with scientific or technical backgrounds (e.g. chemists, engineers, medical professionals) may be needed. They evaluate whether the advertiser had valid, scientific evidence to support their claims at the time the ad ran.
5. Damages and Economic Experts
Such false advertising expert witnesses calculate the financial impact of promotions, including lost profits, harm to reputation, or unjust enrichment. Their analysis is crucial in determining monetary damages.
False advertising expert witnesses aid in many ways, depending on the case. Whether the issue is deceptive messaging, regulatory violations, or economic harm, selecting the best type of expert can be vital to the success of a claim or defense.
