The Conkle Firm Returns to Cosmoprof Bologna

Posted by:

Conkle Kremer & Engel returned to attend Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna for 2023.  Beauty’s biggest trade show was back in full swing and CK&E attorneys Mark Kremer and Amanda Washton attended to help clients, meet new clients, and see all of the latest innovations.

Amanda Washton at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023

It was easy to see why Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna is considered to be the leading worldwide event for the professional beauty sector. In 2023, over 2,984 exhibiting companies from more than 64 countries participated.  More than 250,000 visitors from 153 countries chose to attend Cosmoprof Worldwide Bologna as an essential time for their business.  CK&E attorneys were based at the California Trade Alliance’s California Pavilion, at which CK&E sponsored a meeting room for advice to be given and deals to be made.  CK&E also provided food and wine to refresh the happy exhibitors.  The personal care products industry in California is so large and established that California is still the only state in the U.S. to sponsor its own pavilion, nestled among the many country pavilions (including the U.S. Pavilion).

When not helping clients in their booths or at the meeting room, CK&E attorneys enjoyed visiting the specialty Cosmoprof sections in the COSMO Perfumery & Cosmetics and the COSMO Hair, Nail, and Beauty Salon sections of the show.  They met manufacturers and distributors (large and small), beauty consultants and professionals throughout the world, to add to the firm’s growing network of beauty industry contacts.

Makeup and skincare products that focused on sustainability and inclusivity were highlighted at the show.  Owing to consumers’ increasing environmental consciousness, use of biodegradable packaging represented a clear trend.  Inclusivity was everywhere with a clear influx of gender-neutral lines as well as representation of products specifically designed for all races, ethnicities and ages.  In fact, the Cosmo Trends portion of the show presented products specifically focused on “menopause wellness.”  It is clear that the cosmetics and beauty industry is leading the way in approaching and “celebrating otherness,” which was the theme of the CosmoTrends exhibit at the show.Moroccanoil Show at Cosmoprof Bologna 2023

CK&E attorneys look forward to attending Cosmoprof and other industry events in the future, to continue to help our clients, meet future clients, and stay up to date on personal care and beauty trends and evolving business needs.  Our attorneys continue to pride themselves on keeping abreast of industry developments to help our clients, from startups to mature businesses, to grow and protect their brands and businesses in domestic and international markets.

0

Conkle Firm Attorneys Attend Cosmoprof North America 2021 – Yes, In Person

Posted by:

The 2020 Cosmoprof North America show was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic but (after some delay) the show went on for 2021. Conkle, Kremer & Engel attorneys Amanda Washton and Sherron Wiggins attended this year’s Cosmoprof North America show on August 29, 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada.  Attendance was lower than usual, of course, particularly in light of recent concerns about the Delta variant.  But the safety of all participants was paramount to the organizers and it showed.  The Cosmoprof attendees spread out and managed to fill the hall with enthusiasm while maintaining proper social distancing and appropriate masking.

Our attorneys visited the six specialty Cosmoprof sections, such as “Discover Green” featuring green, eco-friendly, clean, and organic products such as Orgaid facial sheet masks. Another notable section was “Tones of Beauty,” dedicated to beauty products for multicultural consumers such as Ceylon Skincare products by Anim Labs formulated to address skin issues that men, especially men of color, experience.

Sherron Wiggins and Amanda Washton at Cosmoprof NA 2021Our attorneys also spent time in the “Cosmo Trends” section of the show, where they reviewed product classes that have surged in popularity during the global COVID-19 pandemic. For example, skin barrier products designed to balance the skin’s microbiome and to kill pathogens gained considerable popularity in the market during the pandemic, likely due to increased consumer awareness and sensitivity to bacteria, micro-organisms, and viruses. As well, most of us have done more than a few Zoom meetings during the pandemic, and have had a chance to examine our appearance on video screens, perhaps more than we would have wished.  This fact was not missed by entrepreneurs who developed and promoted a variety of non-surgical treatments and devices for skin conditioning and application of beauty products. Examples included skin and under-eye serums, and skincare tools that apply LED, EMS, ultrasound, radio frequency, ion fusion, and sonic pulsation.

Makeup and skincare products that focused on overall skin health and a glowing appearance also gained popularity as consumers gradually ventured out to attend small gatherings of family and friends.  Many of these kinds of products were featured in the “Discovery Beauty” section of the show, presenting an array of “conscious beauty products,” such as Urban Secrets.  CBD-inclusive cosmetic products continued to increase in strength, this year warranting an entire dedicated section at Cosmoprof.  Finally, owing to consumers’ increasing environmental consciousness, use of biodegradable packaging represented a clear trend.

Whether virtually or in person, CK&E looks forward to attending Cosmoprof and other industry events in the future, to help us continue to help our clients, meet future clients, and stay up to date on personal care and beauty trends and evolving business needs.  Our attorneys pride themselves on keeping abreast of industry developments to help our clients, from entrepreneurs to mature businesses, grow and protect their brands and businesses.

0

The Conkle Firm is at Cosmoprof Asia, Hong Kong

Posted by:

Conkle, Kremer & Engel attorneys John Conkle and Sherron Wiggins are busy at Cosmoprof Asia in Hong Kong. CK&E is again the proud sponsor of California Trade Alliance’s California Pavilion, providing the meeting lounge so California businesses can be in the room where it happens.

The first day for CK&E at Cosmoprof Asia was largely devoted to catching up with old friends of the firm and meeting new ones. Many of the attendees have been CK&E clients or employees of clients for years. One such person is Greg Starkman who, as an executive of Joico in the early 90’s, worked with CK&E on numerous matters. Greg and his wife Joanne now head up Innersense Organic Beauty, which manufactures and sells a line of natural and organic hair care products “dedicated to purity, peace of mind, and the practice of self-care.”

We also viewed outstanding and innovative products that are finalists for the annual Cosmoprof Asia Awards. Several caught our attention, including two products selected due to their packaging. One uses a container made of recycled coffee grounds and polylactic acid (aka polylactide or PLA), which is a thermoplastic aliphatic polyester derived from renewable resources that gives the package a small carbon footprint. The other notable package is manufactured from industrial waste. Other innovative products of interest include a hair dryer weighing only .6 lbs, and a patented plastic makeup container that features a magnetic closure.

So far, attendance at this year’s Cosmoprof Asia appears to be reduced from last year. Many of the attendees believe that the reduced attendance may be affected by the citizen protests that have taken place in Hong Kong over the past few months. Some attribute the attendance drop-off more specifically to the reluctance of Chinese citizens from the “Mainland” to come to Hong Kong during the protests. But there’s a bright side to the smaller crowds – CK&E attorneys have more time available to meet with clients and prospective clients, and to learn about the new products and trends in the beauty industry.

0

Cosmoprof North America Features Challenging CBD, Natural and Organic Product Lines

Posted by:

On July 29 and 30, 2018, Conkle, Kremer & Engel continued its annual firm attendance at Cosmoprof North America in Las Vegas, visiting with longtime and new clients and observing new brands and trends in the personal care industry.  This year’s edition of Cosmoprof had over 36,000 attendees with a record-breaking 1,278 exhibitors from 45 countries.  CK&E attorneys attend to connect with clients and others in the cosmetics, personal care, packaging, labeling and professional beauty markets, to help clients secure distribution agreements, and to learn about the newest industry innovations and issues.

This year, trends included substantial expansion of the mens’ care and beard care sector, along with CBD-infused cosmetics and hair care products and natural and organic hair regrowth formulas.  Organic products sold in California must meet strict requirements, and Products with “natural” claims can present special challenges and risks, as CK&E has addressed in previous blog posts, such as “What are Natural Products Anyway?”  A new twist has been recent growth (no pun) in “hair regrowth” products labeled as “natural” or “organic” .  Those classes of products face special issues in addition to whether they can fairly be called “natural” or “organic,” in that hair regrowth claims can at times run afoul of federal prohibitions on products that make drug-like claims without FDA approval, as well as federal and state labeling and advertising regulations.  Finally, a new class of beauty and hair care products are based on Cannabidiol (CBD) content, taking advantage of increased acceptance of cannabis-based products.  Yet CBD products continue to pose their own special issues, which will be the subject of an upcoming www.conklelaw.com blog post.  CK&E is well-versed in counseling clients on all such issues, from brand protection, vendor and distribution issues to the latest CBD, natural and organic product concerns.

Lastly, foremost on the minds of many manufacturers and distributors who sell in California were the new requirements for Proposition 65, the well-known California law requiring “Prop 65” warnings for products which contain chemicals known to cause cancer or reproductive harm.  New warning label requirements go into effect on August 30, 2018, which CK&E has already summarized on its blog.  CK&E is actively advising manufacturers about the most efficient and effective ways to address the changes and avoid the risks of inadvertent violations.

CK&E’s attorneys continue to pride themselves on keeping abreast of developments in the personal care market, along with assisting clients of all sizes with growth and protection of their brands and interests.  CK&E is an active member of the Professional Beauty Association, the Personal Care Products Council, and other important industry trade organizations.

 

0

The Conkle Firm Attends Cosmoprof North America’s Exhibition in Las Vegas

Posted by:

On July 9, 2017, the attorneys of Conkle, Kremer & Engel attended Cosmoprof North America’s annual exhibition in Las Vegas, both to assist clients and to observe first-hand the latest trends in the beauty and personal care industry.  Tens of thousands of professionals attended the three-day exhibition, which featured over 1,150 exhibitors from 38 countries. CK&E attorneys attend to connect with clients and others in the cosmetics, personal care, packaging, labeling and professional beauty markets, to help clients secure distribution agreements, and to learn about the newest industry innovations.

This year, brands dedicated to “green” products were showcased as consumers continue to be interested in eco-friendly beauty and technology.  Skincare brands also made a strong showing as consumers have been increasingly interested in anti-aging and other preventative products and technologies.  Facial mask and dedicated ethnic products made a particularly strong showing this year.  Globalization of the beauty market is readily apparent – Euromonitor International has an excellent detailed analysis of recent international growth in the beauty and personal care industry on a global scale:  http://blog.euromonitor.com/2017/05/reimagining-growth-in-the-global-beauty-industry.html

CK&E’s attorneys pride themselves on effectively and efficiently assisting clients of all sizes with brand protection and growth and regulatory compliance, both domestically and internationally.  CK&E is an active member of the Professional Beauty Association, and other important industry trade organizations.

0

California Pavilion Exhibitors Achieve Goals at Cosmoprof Bologna

Posted by:

Positive Global Sales

Cosmoprof Bologna came to a successful close on March 21.  The overall show statistics are not available yet, but participants in the California Pavilion experienced brisk business.  The California Pavilion this year expanded to two islands with 18 exhibitors, and booths were often crowded with interested buyers.  The CK&E lounge at the center of the California Pavilion buzzed with deal negotiations, and CK&E attorneys Mark Kremer and Eric Engel were glad to be able to lend their assistance to help participants expand their global reach.

Mark Kremer and Eric Engel at Cosmoprof Bologna 2016

Mark Kremer and Eric Engel at the CK&E Lounge in the California Pavilion

Organizer Cesar Arellanes of California Trade Alliance commented that California Pavilion participants reported meeting or exceeding their goals for the show, expanding and strengthening their international business.

CK&E attorneys advise clients to prepare for major trade shows, particularly foreign shows, by verifying that they have taken all appropriate steps to protect their trademarks, trade dress and other valuable intellectual property, before problems arise.  To help one well-prepared client, Mark Kremer successfully initiated an immediate takedown of counterfeit products being sold in another hall.  CK&E attorneys attend major beauty industry trade shows to help protect clients’ brands, to keep current on trends, and to assist clients with the full range of legal skills needed to grow their businesses internationally.

David Lester at Cosmoprof Bologna 2016

COOLA at California Pavilion

 

 

 

 

CK&E Lounge at the center of California Pavilion

CK&E Lounge at the center of California Pavilion

 

 

 

Daily Concepts and Afterspa in California Pavilion at Cosmoprof Bologna 2016

Daily Concepts and Afterspa in California Pavilion

 

 

 

 

Infinite Aloe booth at California Pavilion

Infinite Aloe at California Pavilion

0

California Pavilion at Cosmoprof Bologna Opens

Posted by:

Bologna FiereThe huge convention center in Italy known as Bologna Fiere sprang to life today with the opening of Cosmoprof Bologna, featuring the California Pavilion organized by California Trade Alliance.  Conkle, Kremer & Engel sent attorneys Mark Kremer and Eric Engel to help clients and other beauty industry participants groCK&E Lounge at California Pavilionw their businesses by expanding internationally.  Once again this year, CK&E is proud to sponsor the Exhibitor Lounge in the California Pavilion, which enables participants to work, meet and discuss international business deals.

Thirty-five California Pavilion participants began the event with a dinner to share ideas and stories.  The group was glad to be able to use the occasion to celebrate the special birthday of Emilio Smeke, of Daily Concepts and AfterSpa.  The California Pavilion has the unique position of being the only State Pavilion in the Hall of Country Pavilions, with a choice position adjacent to the USA Pavilion.  The prominence of the California Pavilion is a fitting tribute to the strength and growth potential of the California cosmetics business and the leadership of Cesar Arellanes and Jake Rubenstein of California Trade Alliance.California at Hall of National Pavilions in Cosmoprof Bologna 2016

Emilio Smeke Celebrates Birthday at Cosmoprof Bologna 2016Mark Kremer at California Pavilion Dinner

0

The Conkle Firm Honors Industry Rock Star Steve Goddard at City of Hope Spirit of Life Award Gala

Posted by:

PRAVANA Founder and President Steve Goddard literally rocked the house as he joined beauty industry members to “Rock the Cure” at the City of Hope’s Spirit of Life Award Gala in Las Vegas on July 11, 2015.  Conkle, Kremer & Engel attorneys were there to celebrate and support this industry rock star and friend of CK&E as he was honored for his many professional and humanitarian accomplishments.

The Spirit of Life Award is a rare and prestigious honor, presented to exceptional individuals whose intangible qualities – their generosity, their ability to inspire and their desire to make a difference in the world – make their lives worthy of universal admiration.  Steve Goddard embodies each of these qualities.

Steve is a 30-year veteran of the beauty industry.  He founded PRAVANA in 2004 as a boutique brand of highly sophisticated products utilizing the power of  nature and the strength of technology to produce superior holistic formulas.  Since then, PRAVANA has turned into a global brand famously known for high quality, innovative and eco-conscious products. PRAVANA donates 5% of all sales of its NEVO Hair Care line to the City of Hope toward the fight against cancer.   PRAVANA is also an annual participant in Breast Cancer Awareness month and works closely with salons in numerous charitable events and programs including the Ronald McDonald house and the Beauty Bus Foundation.

Steve’s professional achievements and philanthropic efforts were recognized and lauded before his beauty industry peers.  In keeping with the theme of this year’s City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala, “Rock the Cure,” guests were treated to an evening of pure rock and roll.  First Steve, an acclaimed singer, songwriter and guitarist, delighted guests with his own special rock guitar performance.  And what better way to end the celebration than with a musical performance by none other than Don Felder, formerly of the Eagles, who entertained the crowd with Eagles hits, including Hotel California.  It was a fitting tribute to an extraordinary member of the beauty industry.

The City of Hope Spirit of Life Gala is held each year at the Mandalay Bay as a pre-cursor to the Cosmoprof North America beauty industry trade show.  Past Cit of Hope honorees include such industry leaders as Sara Jones, Senior VP and General Manager of Joico (2011), George Schaeffer, founder of OPI and Aloxxi (2012), Reuben Carranza, CEO of Wella (2013) and Harlan Kirschner, President of The Kirschner Group (2014).

CK&E is proud to have been able to join in the celebration of industry veteran and friend of the firm Steve Goddard for his many accomplishments, both professional and humanitarian.  CK&E joins the City of Hope in congratulating Steve on being this year’s City of Hope Spirit of Life Honoree.

0

The Conkle Firm Helps Dermaquest Grow

Posted by:

2015-03 Cosmoprof Bologna Sam and Renu Dhatt_R

DermaQuest offers a comprehensive line of outstanding skincare products for the professional and retail market. Sam Dhatt is lead chemist and CEO of DermaQuest.  Sam is here pictured at the DermaQuest booth at Cosmoprof Bologna with his wife Renu and Kim Sim of Conkle, Kremer & Engel (right to left).   Sam directs DermaQuest with over 20 years of experience, knowledge and understanding about the multifaceted world of skincare. Sam has formulated and created skincare products for hundreds of companies since founding DermaQuest in 1999.

CK&E is pleased to be able to work with DermaQuest and many other excellent beauty product manufacturers to advance and expand their worldwide business.

 

0

The Conkle Firm’s California Pavilion Lounge is Open for Business

Posted by:

Conkle, Kremer & Engel attorneys Mark Kremer and Kim Sim have set up shop in the CK&E Lounge at the California Pavilion at Cosmoprof Bologna.  The California Pavilion, whose theme is “California, A State of Beauty,” is located at Hall Number 30, Stand Number E28-F31 & E31-D34.  The California Pavilion hosts several up and coming California-based beauty businesses that participated in the Beauty Industry Market Access (BIMA) program run by the Center for International Trade Development (CITD).  CITD sponsors California Pavilions at Cosmoprof events to advance international trade for beauty businesses operating in California.  CK&E attorneys including Mark and Kim are proud to have been invited to offer their legal expertise and practical experience to beauty industry participants looking to expand in overseas markets.  At the California Pavilion in Cosmoprof, BIMA participants are able to put their training to its optimum use – growing their international presence and trade.

Simon Smeke and Emilio Smeke of Daily Concepts, with Mark Kremer

Simon and Emilio Smeke of Daily Concepts, with Mark Kremer, at California Pavilion

Israel Segal of Free Your Mane, with Mark Kremer at California Pavilion

Mark Kremer with Israel Segal of Free Your Mane, at California Pavilion

 

0
Page 1 of 2 12