Managing Consumer Product Safety Issues in the Age of Social Media

Rapidly evolving modes of communication present consumer manufacturers and retailers with added challenges in identifying potential product quality and safety issues and ensuring consistent messaging across all means of communication -- from call centers, to traditional media, to social media and government-sponsored websites. Drawing on substantial experience from both the outside and in-house counsel perspectives, our presenters will share strategies for establishing systems and avoiding both legal and public relations pitfalls. Topics of discussion will include:

- Establishing early warning systems to monitor safety and product issues

- Maintaining privilege for drafts of communications

- Evaluating procedures and processes to consistently respond to media and customer inquiries

- Responding to government investigations and regulatory involvement