Power Balance, LLC sells what it purports to be "performance technology": wristbands, bracelets and pendants that allegedly "optimiz[e] the body’s natural energy flow" through the use of holograms. Power Balance represents that merely by wearing Power Balance products, consumers will enjoy better "strength, balance and flexibility." In fact, the Power Balance holograms are nothing short of snake oil. Despite representations that the hologram will enhance consumers’ "strength, balance and flexibility," it is biologically incapable of doing so. Consumers pay as much as $79.95 for Power Balance products with the expectation that they will enjoy greater "strength, balance and flexibility," but they do not.
In fact, Power Balance Australia, which sells products containing the same holograms, recently admitted that "[i]n our advertising we stated that Power Balance wristbands improved your strength, balance and flexibility. We admit that there is no credible scientific evidence that supports our claims and therefore we engaged in misleading conduct in breach of s52 of the [Australia] Trade Practices Act 1974."
Meiselman, Denlea, Packman, Carton & Eberz P.C., based in White Plains, New York, has brought a class action lawsuit in California federal court alleging that the representation that holograms are capable of improving strength, balance and flexibility, when there is no scientific or other reliable basis for making that claim, is an unfair and deceptive practice.
If you or someone you know has purchased a Power Balance product, please contact us to discuss your legal options.