Breaking news: Red Bull doesn’t actually give you wings. However, the energy drink company will give you money if you’re disappointed.
The beverage maker just settled a false advertising lawsuit over its popular slogan, agreeing to pay $13 million to American consumers who have purchased one of its drinks in the past 12 years.
Plaintiff Benjamin Careathers claimed that he had been buying Red Bull drinks since 2002 before filing the lawsuit in 2013. He argued that the company had misled him and every consumer about the product’s slogan “Red Bull gives you wings.” Careathers also claimed that the company does not deliver on the promise of increased performance, concentration or speed.
The suit argued, “Such deceptive conduct and practices mean that [Red Bull’s] advertising and marketing is not just ‘puffery,’ but is instead deceptive and fraudulent and is therefore actionable.”
Red Bull, however, denied any wrongdoing in a statement: “Red Bull settled the lawsuit to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation. However, Red Bull maintains that its marketing and labeling have always been truthful and accurate, and denies any and all wrongdoing or liability.”
With that said, if you purchased a Red Bull drink anytime between January 1, 2002 and October 3, 2014, you are eligible to receive $10 cash or $15 worth of Red Bull products. All you have to do is register here by March 2, 2015.
