When it comes to the latest T-shirts or jeans, what does it mean when brands tout that they’re “made in the USA”? Are they as American as a Georgia peach or a Californian Sauvignon Blanc? According to a group of authors at Venable, a class action filed earlier this month against the designer jean company Citizens of Humanity and Macy’s alleges that the corporations called products “American” when in reality many of their components were imported.
“’Made in USA’ claims (and related legal complications) have been almost as trendy as the latest designer jeans,” they say, and note that California’s “’Made in USA’ statute is particularly onerous.” The California Business and Professions Code prohibits using the mark if any article, unit or part of the merchandise was made outside of the country.
