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Can I advertise my products or services without violating truth-in-advertising laws in Michigan? What are the requirements?
Truth-in-Advertising Laws in Michigan
To advertise your products or services in Michigan without violating truth-in-advertising laws, you must comply with the requirements of the Michigan Consumer Protection Act, which prohibits false, misleading, or deceptive advertising [3.2].
The Act defines deceptive advertising as any advertising that contains a representation, omission, or practice that is likely to mislead a consumer acting reasonably under the circumstances, to the consumer’s detriment [3.2].
To avoid violating the Act, you should ensure that your advertising is truthful, accurate, and not misleading. You should also avoid making any claims that you cannot substantiate with evidence [3.2].
Additionally, if you are advertising a rental property, you must comply with the Truth in Renting Act, which requires that the rental agreement include a notice in a prominent place stating that the agreement is required to comply with the Act [3.1].
Requirements for Advertising in Michigan
Michigan law does not have specific requirements for advertising products or services. However, the Michigan Department of Attorney General recommends that advertisers follow the Federal Trade Commission’s guidelines for advertising [6.2].
The FTC’s guidelines require that advertising be truthful, not misleading, and substantiated by evidence. Advertisers must also disclose any material information that could affect a consumer’s decision to purchase the product or service [6.2].
In summary, to advertise your products or services in Michigan without violating truth-in-advertising laws, you should ensure that your advertising is truthful, accurate, and not misleading. You should also follow the FTC’s guidelines for advertising and disclose any material information that could affect a consumer’s decision to purchase the product or service.
[3.1]: MICL 554.634 [3.2]: MICL 445.903 [6.2]: MICL 445.813
Source(s):
- [3.1] Rental agreement; mandatory statements.
- [3.2] Rental agreement; prohibited provisions or clauses; violation.
- [6.2] Applicability of act.
Jurisdiction
Michigan