California Governor Jerry Brown has signed into law a ban on flame retardants in certain household products. Starting January 1, 2020, it will be prohibited to sell or distribute children’s products, mattresses, and upholstered furniture that contain flame retardants in concentrations above 1,000 parts per million (ppm) in the state of California.

In addition to banning the sale of products containing flame retardants, the law requires the International Sleep Products Association to survey mattress producers every three years to determine what materials are being used to meet flammability standards.

The Bureau of Electronic and Appliance Repair, Home Furnishings, and Thermal Insulation is authorized to enforce the new law and adopt implementing rules and regulations.

In passing the bill, the Legislature cited evidence that flame retardants do little to increase fire safety, and expressed concerns about the link between flame retardants and various health problems, such as developmental problems in children

As retailers continue to battle the escalating problem of counterfeit products, The International Trademark Association (INTA) has released a guide titled Addressing the Sale of Counterfeits on the Internet.  The guide is the product of INTA’s Anti-Counterfeiting committee and aims to further the organization’s continuing efforts to curb the problem of online sales of counterfeit goods.

According to a 2017 impact study commissioned by INTA and cited in the guide, the global value of counterfeit and pirated goods was estimated to be $1.13 trillion in 2013 and is projected to reach $1.9-$2.8 trillion in 2022. Counterfeit sales not only harm businesses, but pose a risk to public health and safety and often fund criminal organizations.

INTA’s guide includes updated and expanded best practices for search websites, online market places, PSPs, trademark owners, and social media, logistics, and registry companies. The guide also includes the following key recommendations:

• Search advertising