Legal Definitions - Printers Ink Statute

The Printers Ink Statute refers to a type of law, first proposed in 1911, that makes it illegal to publish advertisements containing false or misleading claims. Many states adopted versions of this model law, aiming to protect consumers by holding advertisers accountable for the truthfulness of their promotional materials. Violating this statute is typically considered a misdemeanor, meaning it's a less serious criminal offense than a felony, but it still carries potential penalties such as fines or even jail time.

Here are some examples of situations where the Printers Ink Statute might apply:

• Example 1: Misleading Product Performance Claims

  A company launches a new dietary supplement and advertises it with the headline: "Lose 30 Pounds in 30 Days – Guaranteed!" The advertisement features testimonials from actors and claims based on a "secret ingredient" without any scientific backing. If an investigation reveals that the supplement has no proven efficacy for rapid weight loss and the claims are entirely fabricated, the company could be in violation of the Printers Ink Statute for making false and deceptive statements in its advertising.

• Example 2: Deceptive Pricing or Service Offers

  A local auto repair shop runs an advertisement stating, "Oil Change and Tire Rotation for Just $19.99 – No Hidden Fees!" However, when customers arrive, they are informed that the $19.99 price only applies if they also purchase additional, expensive services like a "fuel system flush" or "engine decarbonization." If customers are pressured into these extra services or charged significantly more than the advertised price without clear disclosure, the shop's initial advertisement could be considered deceptive under the Printers Ink Statute.

• Example 3: False Environmental or Ethical Claims (Greenwashing)

  A clothing brand extensively advertises its new line of apparel as "100% Eco-Friendly and Sustainably Sourced," implying that all materials are organic, production processes are carbon-neutral, and workers are paid fair wages. Later, an investigative report uncovers that only a small percentage of the materials are truly sustainable, the factories use polluting practices, and labor conditions are poor. The brand's broad and unsubstantiated claims about its environmental and ethical practices in its advertising could fall under the Printers Ink Statute as false and deceptive.