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WASHINGTON (AP) — The Supreme Court says juice maker Pom Wonderful can bring false advertising claims against the Coca-Cola Co. over a competing juice product.
The justices ruled unanimously Thursday that allowing Pom's lawsuit to go forward under federal trademark laws does not interfere with government regulation of food labels.
Pom alleges the label on a "Pomegranate Blueberry" beverage offered by Coke's Minute Maid unit is misleading because 99 percent of the drink consists of apple and grape juice. Coke claimed the lawsuit should be thrown out because the label complies with Food and Drug Administration regulations.
Lower courts had ruled in favor of Coke. But the Supreme Court reversed, finding that the juice label may technically comply with FDA rules, but still be misleading to consumers for different reasons.
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