Contests, Sweepstakes and Promotions: Getting Up To Speed

• Posted by Geoffrey G. Gussis on March 10th, 2005


• Filed in Corporate/M&A, Guides, Tips and Practice Pointers, Risk Management & Compliance

It’s no secret why many companies love promotions - they increase sales, energize marketing teams and create an air of excitement around a company’s products or services.  Whether you are running a contest, a sweepstakes or another kind of promotion, you should make sure that your company is complying with the various state and federal laws and regulations that may apply to your promotion.  For example, some states have pre-registration or notice requirements - others require companies to post bonds.  Some states actively enforce laws against deceptive promotional practices, while others focus their energies in other areas.  Promotions can implicate other areas of law as well, from advertising and trademark law to federal laws governing the privacy rights of children.

Here are a few resources that can help you hone your issue-spotting skills:

• What’s in a Game (Reed Smith)
• Old Sweepstakes Laws are Getting New Attention
• Plan a Successful, Legal Sweepstakes
• The Rules on Contests, Sweepstakes and Raffles

Know of other resources? Let us know.