In an era of heavy regulation, changing consumer demand, labeling disputes, product recalls, and brand vulnerability, Cozen O’Connor provides comprehensive legal services to the food and beverage industry. Our attorneys represent clients operating at every point along the supply chain and involving all product lines — from snack foods to pet foods and from alcoholic spirits to dietary supplements.
Food & Beverage Litigation
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Complex and multi-jurisdictional class action lawsuits alleging consumer protection law violations.
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Individual and mass torts alleging contamination or product defects and resulting personal injuries.
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Hybrid claims combining class action and traditional product liability claims.
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Commercial disputes between competitors and among participants in the supply chain.
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Crisis management, including regulatory notifications, product retention, and brand protection.
Food & Beverage Regulations
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Federal regulations promulgated and overseen by the Food and Drug Administration, U.S. Department of Agriculture, Federal Trade Commission, and federal import/export authorities.
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State-based regulations, including California’s Proposition 65 and “Made in the USA” law.
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Packaging, labeling, branding, product placement, social media, and advertising.
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Government relations and advocacy at the federal and state level.
Food & Beverage Related Services
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Intellectual Property handles patents, trademarks, copyrights, trade dress, trade secrets, and domain names.
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Mergers & Acquisitions negotiates sales and purchases of assets or stock, mergers, joint ventures, consolidations, spin-offs and roll-ups, and recapitalizations.
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White Collar responds to civil/criminal investigations, enforcement, and prosecutions, including under the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act, False Claims Act, and criminal antitrust statutes.
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Employment Litigation defends wage and hour, donning and doffing, discrimination, EEOC, and non-solicit and non-compete claims.
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Commercial Litigation handles all commercial claims, including contract disputes, business torts, and defamation actions.
We understand the priorities of food and beverage companies, so we know that a positive brand image is in many ways their most valuable asset. Cozen O’Connor handles every deal and every dispute with absolute discretion and a commitment to protecting our client’s brand and hard-earned reputation.