ABA Section of Antitrust Law Spring Meeting 2017: The Ins and Outs of Advertising Law

When Joe Camel, the advertising mascot for Camel cigarettes, was threatened, an advertising lawyer had to come to his aid. After the company was accused of encouraging smoking in young adults, the Joe Camel case was brought to court where Camel settled and initiated their current logo as an alternative. John Villafranco was one of the lawyers defending Joe Camel, as he has defended other companies, like Burger King and Herbalife.

In this Special Report, host Melanie Hallas talks to John Villafranco about his experience in advertising law. Their discussion includes the ins and outs of advertising law, his most interesting cases, and what’s currently going on with consumer protection. John also mentions ways young lawyers interested in advertising law can get involved, including joining committees to stay up to speed on current programing.

Melanie A. Hallas is an associate attorney at McDermott Will & Emery where she practices in antitrust and competition matters representing clients before the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).

John Villafranco is a member of Kelley Drye & Warren’s executive committee and provides litigation and counseling services, with a focus on advertising law matters and consumer protection.