Businesses must make several structural and operational decisions that have legal implications. Before a company even opens its doors, the owners have had to decide what business structure to use and establish operational protocols to ensure they comply with applicable regulations and laws.
Lawyers are legal experts who advise their clients of the steps they should take to protect their business. Corporate lawyers can review and prepare contracts, make recommendations about company procedures, and ensure your business complies with labour laws. These are just a few of the benefits of hiring an attorney, and there are many other reasons supplement companies, specifically, should hire a lawyer.
Legal Counsel
When you’re hiring an attorney, consider the attorney’s background and relevant experience. For example, Malliha Wilson is a senior partner with Nava Wilson LLP. Malliha Wilson has decades of experience practicing law in Ontario, which means she’s familiar with Ontario government regulations and how they could impact your business. With Wilson’s background in labour law and human rights, you can be confident she’ll ensure your company complies with appropriate local and international laws. Malliha Wilson has also argued cases before the Supreme Court of Canada, which means she’s familiar with how federal Canadian courts interpret the law and how their rulings could affect your business. Instead of waiting for rulings and adjusting your operational procedures after the fact, Wilson can help you anticipate rulings and take measures to ensure compliance before new laws and regulations are introduced.
FDA Guidelines
In the United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) enforces regulations governing the ingredients used to produce supplements and dietary supplements. Supplement companies must familiarize themselves with the guidelines and comply with the regulations. Under the terms of the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, supplement companies must notify the Food and Drug Administration about new ingredients they want to use in their products. Notification must be given no less than 75 days before products containing the ingredient go on sale.
Nutritional supplement companies must also comply with labeling regulations. Your company’s corporate lawyer can advise you of the regulations and the steps you must take to ensure compliance. They can also advise you about the liability risks for failing to comply.
Product Promotion
The FDA prohibits supplement companies from making medical claims about their products, but the primary reason consumers take supplements is to maintain or improve their health. This presents a unique challenge for supplement companies that want to promote their products’ potential benefits without violating regulations.
Products such as VigRX plus, sold by Leading Edge Health, are male enhancement pills. The company’s official website highlights the claims from consumers who’ve used VigRX Plus instead of asserting VigRX cures erectile dysfunction. The product information highlights the product’s natural ingredients and their specific functions. VigRX contains Asian red ginseng, ginkgo biloba, and hawthorn berry. These ingredients improve blood flow to the penis, which helps men get and sustain an erection. Epimedium leaf extract—also known as horny goat weed—boosts testosterone levels. Saw palmetto berry helps maintain healthy hormone levels. Emphasizing the ingredients and their purpose effectively illustrates how the consumer’s sex life may benefit from VigRX.
Your attorney can review the information on your official website and packaging labels to ensure it complies with local regulations and recommend wording to reduce your potential liability.
Insurance and Security
Some business decisions require a proactive approach. Your corporate attorney can advise you about insurance options and the types of insurance you need to protect your business from lawsuits and other financial risks. Your lawyer can also protect you against security risks. Your security measures will yield the best results if your lawyer reviews all security measures you have in place and makes recommendations to improve security protocols.
Supplement brands benefit from hiring an attorney because they face unique legal issues. Supplement companies must comply with industry regulations, as well as labour laws and regulations that apply to all businesses. A corporate lawyer can ensure your company complies with laws and regulations, limits its liability, and effectively promotes products without violating regulations.
