Copper issue settled

Washington

Athletic apparel and accessories company Tommie Copper has agreed to settle allegations that it had no proof for advertisements that its products relieved ailments like arthritis, the Federal Trade Commission said on Tuesday.

Tommie Copper, which sold about $87 million worth of copper-infused elbow, ankle and wrist sleeves as well as other products between 2011 and 2014, agreed to pay $1.35 million to reimburse customers and settle the charges, the FTC said.  "It’s tempting to believe that wearing certain clothing will eliminate severe pain, but Tommie Copper didn't have science to back its claims," said Jessica Rich, director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, in a statement.

In addition to the financial settlement, the company agreed to desist from making medical claims about their products without proof.