A class action lawsuit in California seeks to hold makers of the Power Balance Bracelet accountable for shady marketing practices. The basis of the lawsuit stems from claims that the manufacturers misled consumers into believing that the product could improve their health. The case, Batungbacal vs. Power Balance LLC et al., is being heard in Unites States District Court – Central District of California, Southern Division by Judge Cormac J. Carney, Case No. SACV-11-18 CJC.[1]
Power Balance Logo Bracelet
The Power Balance Bracelet is simply a wristband with a holographic logo. It should have been obvious to any consumer that such a product could not improve health. At one point, Power Balance even admitted that they did no scientific research and had no evidence to back up advertised claims of improved vitality. Given this admission, it is no surprise that a lawsuit soon followed.
Unsupported Claims
Power Balance had originally claimed that the wristbands help to optimize and regulate the body’s energy flow, while enhancing strength, balance and flexibility. The company also alleged that the wearer would feel an overall sense of well-being and stabilization by wearing the bracelet.
The silicone wristbands displayed a “Mylar Hologram” that was supposed to resound with and react to the body’s natural energy field. The manufacturer also alleged that the holographic logo could counteract negative forces like radio waves from cellular telephones. Athletes heard promises of increased endurance and agility during game play, while non-athletes hoped for a pick-me-up during work or intimacy.
Athlete Endorsements
Many professional athletes sported the bracelets. Famous athletes such as Shaquille O’Neal, Kobe Bryant and Lamar Odom have endorsed the product, and might find themselves involved in the lawsuit as well. For consumers who wanted to believe that a simple bracelet could make them feel and perform better, the endorsements led credibility to the product’s claims.
An Obvious Lie is Still a Lie
Power Balance made false claims regarding their product and misled the public by advertising and marketing the bracelets as beneficial to the wearer’s health. Even though these dubious claims were obviously false, truth in advertising laws protect consumers, no matter how silly the deception. This is most likely the reason Power Balance came forward so quickly to admit the lie.
Power Balance Will Offer Refunds
The company sold over three million bracelets in just three years. The class action lawsuit, filed in Los Angeles, claims $5 million in consumer damages. By quickly settling this lawsuit, the company may be able to take some of the profits and run.
Contact Us
Although the Power Balance Bracelet promises were clearly misleading, some product deceptions are not so apparent. If you or someone you care about was injured because of a falsely advertised or defective product, contact our experienced attorneys. We will provide a free consultation to answer the questions you have surrounding the injury and the product that caused it. We will help you decide if you should file a lawsuit for your injuries.
[1] http://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20110105007269/en/Panish-Shea-Boyle-Announces-Filing-Class-Action-Lawsuit
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