Tommie Copper to pay $1.35M in false advertising settlement

WHITE PLAINS, N.Y. — People can debate the therapeutic power of copper, but it probably won't relieve this type of pain.

Mount Kisco, N.Y.-based Tommie Copper has agreed to pay $1.35 million to settle charges that the apparel company made false claims about its copper-infused clothing, the Federal Trade Commission announced Tuesday.

The FTC had accused Tommie Copper Inc., and its founder, Tom Kallish, of falsely advertising its copper- and zinc-infused compression products, which the company claimed would relieve chronic pain caused by arthritis and other ailments.

The settlement also requires Tommie Copper to have "competent and reliable scientific evidence" before making any future claims about health benefits of its products.

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"It's tempting to believe that wearing certain clothing will eliminate severe pain, but Tommie Copper didn't have science to back its claims," Jessica Rich, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, said in a news release. "If you see an ad for a product that promises to replace the need for drugs or surgery, talk to a health care professional before you spend your money."

Representatives from Tommie Copper could not immediately be reached for comment.

The company began selling its products in 2011. It opened a store in Mount Kisco in 2013, at which point it was expecting more than $60 million in sales.

Kallish's business has used infomercials, brochures and various media outlets to promote its products, including sleeves, braces, shirts and socks, that range from $29.95 to $69.50, according to the FTC.

One of the company's infomercials even featured talk show host Montel Williams, whose pitch was that, "Tommie Copper truly is pain relief without a pill," the FTC said.

Not all of its customers found relief, though. Last April an Iowa resident sued the company, claiming that its products "were falsely marketed and sold."

In its own complaint, the FTC alleged that Tommie Copper's claims were "false or were not substantiated at the time the representations were made."

The federal court order actually imposed an $86.8 million judgment against Tommie Copper, but that penalty is to be suspended upon payment of the $1.35 million.

According to the FTC, the entire amount would be imposed, however, if it is discovered that Tommie Copper has misrepresented any of its financial statements.

Follow Matt Spillane on Twitter: @MattSpillane