§ 17200 Unfair Business Practices Law

Business and Professions Code·California

AI SummaryVerified

This law says it's illegal for businesses to act unfairly, cheat customers, or lie in ads, and it also covers anything banned by another part of the business code.

Key Takeaways

•Businesses cannot use unfair or dishonest tactics.
•Lying in ads or misleading customers is illegal.
•The law also stops actions that are banned by other business code sections.

Example

A company sells a phone but tells buyers the battery lasts two days when it only lasts one day.

The company's false claim about battery life is deceptive advertising, which is prohibited by this statute.

AI-generated — May contain errors. Not legal advice. Always verify source.

Official Source

View on CA.gov

§ 17200 Unfair Business Practices Law

As used in this chapter, unfair competition shall mean and include any unlawful, unfair or fraudulent business act or practice and unfair, deceptive, untrue or misleading advertising and any act prohibited by Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 17500) of Part 3 of Division 7 of the Business and Professions Code. (Amended by Stats. 1992, Ch. 430, Sec. 2. Effective January 1, 1993.)

Last verified: January 10, 2026

Key Terms

unfair competition unlawful unfair fraudulent business act deceptive advertising misleading advertising

References

Official text at leginfo.legislature.ca.gov
California Legislature. Business and Professions Code. Section 17200.

Key Takeaways

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Key Terms

Related Statutes

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Key Takeaways

Example

Key Terms

Related Statutes

References