WASHINGTON, D.C. — Gravity Defyer Medical Technology Corporation and its owner, Alexander Elnekaveh, have agreed to a settlement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) over allegations of deceptive advertising related to their pain-relief footwear.
The FTC accused the California-based company of making unsubstantiated claims that its footwear, featuring “VersoShock” technology, could alleviate pain tied to conditions such as plantar fasciitis, arthritis, and heel spurs. Advertisements for the footwear allegedly touted significant pain relief percentages and referenced clinical proof without adequate scientific backing. The FTC further claimed that Gravity Defyer violated a 2001 order against Elnekaveh, which barred him from making deceptive advertising claims.
Under the terms of the settlement, Gravity Defyer and Elnekaveh are prohibited from making pain-relief or medical claims unless supported by credible scientific evidence, including human clinical trials. Additional restrictions include a ban on misrepresenting scientific research results and requirements to maintain accurate records for clinical studies.
The settlement also includes a $175,000 civil penalty and mandates Elnekaveh to notify retailers of the FTC’s order. The Commission voted 5-0 to approve the final order. The FTC filed it in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, and the judge has entered it.
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