False ad lawsuit rules
Lexmark International v. Static Control Components
In brief
The Court agreed with the Sixth Circuit that Static Control had adequately pleaded its claim, but did not decide whether Lexmark was liable.
- Where it stands
- Decided
Decided 9-0 · March 25, 2014 · Opinion by Justice Scalia
- What it’s about
- The case asked who may sue for false advertising under the Lanham Act after Static Control Components accused Lexmark of false advertising. The Supreme Court unanimously upheld the Sixth Circuit’s ruling that Static Control had sufficiently alleged a claim.
- Who it affects
- Static Control’s claim met the pleading threshold, but the ruling did not establish that Lexmark committed false advertising.
Summary: written with AI from the case record.
What it's about
The dispute centered on who may sue for false advertising under the federal Lanham Act.
Question presented
Is the test to establish standing for a false advertising claim the same as the test to establish standing under antitrust statutes?
What the Court decided
Holding
Static Control has adequately pleaded the elements of a Lanham Act cause of action for false advertising. 697 F. 3d 387, affirmed.
- Result
- Affirmed
The vote
What's next
The Sixth Circuit’s ruling remains in place, allowing Static Control’s adequately pleaded claim to continue. The question of Lexmark’s liability remains unresolved.
Documents
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Sources
Primary materials plus reporting. Best-effort analysis: this explainer relies on a mix of primary materials and trusted secondary sources. Official filings and opinions remain authoritative.