Reebok fined over false shoebox claims in Australia
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Sydney (dpa) - The Federal Court of Australia on Thursday fined Reebok for falsely claiming its EasyTone line of sports shoes helped tone leg muscles faster than others, broadcaster ABC reported.
The subsidiary of German group Adidas was ordered to pay 350,000 Australian dollars (307,000 US dollars) in the case brought by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC).
Reebok's claims that EasyTone shoes would increase muscle tone in calves, thighs and buttocks more than traditional walking shoes were false and misleading, the Federal Court ruled, according to the report.
"Where businesses claim their products have certain performance characteristics and benefits, they have a responsibility to ensure that those claims are accurate and supported by credible evidence," Delia Rickard, ACCC deputy chair was quoted as saying.
EasyTone shoes sold in Australia between September 2011 and February2013 were tagged with the claims. Reebok accepted the court ruling and agreed to pay compensation of 35Australian dollars to customers who suffered loss or damage, ABC said.
