Hodgson Russ attorneys have wide-ranging and deep expertise in the myriad legal issues facing our clients in the food and beverage business. Whether relating to safety regulations, intellectual property, product recalls, advertising and labeling issues, class action litigation or government agency enforcement, our attorneys have the skills to address business challenges that are unique to those in this essential industry. Let us help you navigate the complicated legal regime governing food and food products, so you can focus on what is important – making your business thrive!

We counsel on a full spectrum of issues facing companies that produce, distribute, or sell food and beverages, including the businesses that support them. Our attorneys understand the food industry and stand ready to help address the major decisions facing your business, including:

• Food Safety & Product Recalls: navigating federal and local laws involving food safety and assisting in all stages of the recall process.

• Food & Beverage Labeling and Packaging: reviewing labeling and packaging to ensure compliance with state and federal regulations and with special labeling rules for organic and natural foods.

• Product Development: representing clients before the FDA, USDA, USPTO, and state agencies in all phases of the product development cycle.

• Brand Name Identification & Intellectual Property Protection: patent, trademark, and copyright services to protect your technology and brand and enforcing and defending intellectual property rights and infringement claims in state and federal courts.

• Promotion, Advertising, E-Commerce & Sweepstakes: advising on FTC and FDA product advertising and promotion requirements, including local requirements for sweepstakes and contests.
• Importing/Exporting Compliance and Regulations: assisting domestic and international clients in complying with the rules and regulations of the FDA, USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service, Plant Protection and Quarantine, Food Safety and Inspection Service, and the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora, including ensuring that clients have met regulatory requirements for importing or exporting food, assisting clients with permit applications and product disclosures at the state and federal level, drafting trade agreements, and setting up U.S. corporate entities.