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Ad & Media Disputes

Advertising and Media Disputes Attorney

At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we represent businesses, agencies, and media professionals in a wide range of disputes involving advertising content, promotional campaigns, and media use. With offices in Chicago, Peoria, and New York, our firm regularly handles cases involving false advertising, unauthorized use of intellectual property, influencer agreements, misrepresentation, and content clearance. Whether you’re producing the message or on the receiving end of it, we work to protect your rights, manage risk, and preserve your reputation.

Advertising and media disputes often move quickly and involve more than just legal liability, they can have immediate effects on how a brand is seen in the marketplace. Our team understands this dynamic and approaches each matter with equal focus on legal strategy and public-facing consequences.

    How Can We Help?

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      Is the Mark a word?


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        What is the title of the work?


        What type of work is it?

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            What type of dispute are you trying to resolve?

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              What type of IP is involved?

              Has a lawsuit already been filed?

              Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?


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                What type of harmful content are you dealing with?

                Where is the content published?

                What harm has this caused so far?

                Our firm requires retainers for all litigation matters. This is an up front payment to a trust account that we later bill against. They start at $5,000 and increase based on complexity on a variety of factors. Are you willing to pay a retainer?

                What is your name?

                Please provide us with your phone number.

                Lastly, can I get your email address?


                  What type of website/app issue are you facing?

                  What is the primary platform or business model?

                  Do you currently have any existing legal documents or policies for your website/app? (Select all that apply)

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                    Are concerned about:


                    What is the name of the project?

                    In order to set aside the time to review your submission, prepare for our consultation, and hold a consultation, we charge a $250 consultation fee. Is this agreeable?

                    Unfortunately, we require a paid consultation to set aside the time to prepare for and discuss your billing issues. So, we are unable to assist you. . begin work on your matter. Unfortunately at this time we are unable to assist you. Please visit the Illinois Commerce Commission Complaint page for further assistance. We wish you the best of luck.

                    Who is the utility?

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                      Are you:


                      Who will be the owners of the business?

                      Do you know whether you want a corporation, limited liability company, or other type of entity?

                      What is the name of the business and its owners?

                      Why are you winding up the business?

                      What is the name of the business and who are the owners of the business?

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                      What kind of contract do you need?

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                      Unfortunately, we require this initial consultation fee before reviewing and discussing your case. So, we are unable to assist you and wish you the best of luck.

                      False Advertising and Consumer Protection Claims

                      We represent both plaintiffs and defendants in disputes involving false or deceptive advertising. These claims may be brought under the Lanham Act, state consumer protection statutes, or regulatory frameworks enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC). Whether the dispute involves misleading product claims, undisclosed sponsorships, or competitor comparisons, we assess the content, evaluate the exposure, and respond with a practical litigation or resolution plan.

                      When our clients are accused of deceptive advertising, we act swiftly to evaluate compliance, adjust messaging if needed, and defend against claims that may be unfounded or overly aggressive. When our clients are the ones harmed by a competitor’s false statements, we work to stop the harm quickly, through injunctive relief when appropriate, and recover damages if warranted.

                      Intellectual Property in Advertising and Media

                      Disputes often arise when advertisements or campaigns use third-party content, including music, images, video clips, or written works. We represent clients accused of copyright or trademark infringement and help defend creative professionals when their original content is used without permission. These cases often involve questions of licensing, fair use, and attribution, and our team is well-versed in sorting through those nuances.

                      We also assist clients in proactively reviewing content to avoid IP problems before campaigns launch. When disputes do occur, we’re prepared to litigate or resolve them through negotiation, arbitration, or settlement.

                      Influencer, Talent, and Sponsorship Disputes

                      As advertising shifts toward social platforms and content creators, the legal landscape has grown more complicated. We handle disputes arising from influencer agreements, talent contracts, sponsorship deals, and endorsement arrangements. When content creators fail to deliver on campaign terms, or when brands overstep contractual limits, we represent clients in resolving disputes and enforcing contract rights.

                      We also address issues involving nondisclosure, misrepresentation, and compliance with FTC guidelines around paid content and endorsements.

                      Media Clearance and Content Disputes

                      Disagreements over who owns or controls media content can derail marketing plans and lead to costly litigation. We help clients resolve disputes over licensing terms, usage rights, and creative contributions. Whether you’re navigating a disagreement with a production partner or facing a takedown demand, we bring a clear understanding of both media law and contract enforcement.

                      At Phillips & Bathke, P.C., we offer seasoned guidance in a space where creativity meets commercial risk, because when it comes to advertising and media, what you say and how you say it can have legal consequences.