Legal Question in Technology Law in California

Advertising which Insinuates performing illegal actions with product being sold.

My question is this.

Can a product be legally advertised with the ''visual suggestion'' that it can be used in illegal ways?

For example: Can an internet ad, advertise mini-cameras with the ''visual suggestion'' of using it to spy on women in their bedrooms or other places?

How would this differ from an advertisment for a 9mm hand gun with a target moving across a picture of a police officer?


Asked on 7/11/02, 12:39 pm

2 Answers from Attorneys

Re: Advertising which Insinuates performing illegal actions with product being s

Advertising is regarded as "commercial speech" and is therefore protected by the First Amendment. There are limits on commercial speech just as there are on other kinds of speech. A fraudulent ad is not protected, and people do not have the right to shout "Fire!" in a crowded theater unless there is a fire.

While the advocacy of revolution at some unspecified future time is protected, calling for immediate violence is not. The ads you gave as examples are not as extreme, and I think that they would be protected.

Read more
Answered on 7/11/02, 4:59 pm

Re: Advertising which Insinuates performing illegal actions with product being s

An attorney would need to see your specific ad idea to analyze whether it was pornographic or obscene, an incitement to a crime, etc.

D. Alexander Floum is an experienced intellectual property attorney. Alex teaches intellectual property law to practicing lawyers and law school students.

The Schinner Law Group is a full-service law firm, providing assistance in business, corporate, tax, litigation, contracts, intellectual property and related areas of law.

NOTE: This communication is not intended as and should not be interpreted as legal advice. Rather, it is intended solely as a general discussion of legal principles. You should not rely on or take action based on this communication without first presenting ALL relevant details to a competent attorney in your jurisdiction and then receiving the attorney�s individualized advice for you. By reading the �Response� to your question or comment, you agree that the opinion expressed is not intended to, nor does it, create any attorney-client relationship, nor does it constitute legal advice to any person reviewing such information, nor will it be considered an attorney-client privileged communication. Pursuant to California Rules of Professional Conduct rule 1-400(d)(4), this communication is intended as a solicitation for legal services.

Read more
Answered on 7/12/02, 1:55 pm


Related Questions & Answers

More Computer & Technology Law questions and answers in California