Melissa Steinman

About me

A partner in Venable LLP's award-winning Advertising, Marketing and New Media Group, Melissa Landau Steinman assists companies advertising and marketing their products via traditional and online channels. She advises clients on the federal and state laws applicable to marketing, consumer protection and consumer product safety, with a focus on social media advertising and promotions, including sweepstakes, contests, raffles and games, loyalty programs, gift cards and “free” gifts, coupons and rebates, advertising to children and commercial co-ventures. 

Ms. Steinman’s unique understanding of the law of prize promotions, gaming, digital/social media, and federal and state regulatory law has led to engagements with a diverse clientele that includes some of the world's largest and most prominent consumer products and services companies; retailers and hospitality providers; media and gaming companies; entertainment personalities; and a wide variety of nonprofits and charitable entities. She has advised on a diverse range of projects, writing rules for game shows, advising on awards and reality programs, coordinating global promotions, and addressing the complex virtual currency, mobile marketing, escheat and other issues associated with gaming apps and tournaments. 

Ms. Steinman is a frequent speaker and writer on topics like sweepstakes, contests, gift cards, loyalty programs, and promotions and marketing on social media. She served two terms as a member of the Board of the Brand Activation Association, now part of the Association of National Advertisers. 

Ms. Steinman wrote and edited the Guide to Federal and State Regulation of Advertising, a comprehensive two-volume book/CD-ROM on the law of advertising and promotions, and contributed chapters to the American Bar Association's Consumer Protection Law Handbook. Advertising and its Substantiation Handbook, and Globe Law and Business’ International Advertising Law. She blogs at www.allaboutadvertisinglaw.com.