What Is the LifeWave Lawsuit?
The LifeWave lawsuit is most often the FTC's April 27, 2026 case against two LifeWave Brand Partners. Steven and Gina Merritt stand accused of deceptive earnings claims. LifeWave, Inc. is a multi-level marketing company that sells phototherapy patches such as the X39. The FTC did not sue LifeWave, Inc. in that case.
The name also covers two separate federal cases that do name LifeWave, Inc. as a defendant. One is a putative class action in Oregon over marketing text messages. The other is a contract dispute in Georgia that a judge sent to arbitration. Each case has its own court, docket and parties, and the sections below keep them apart.
No court has found that LifeWave patches injure users, and none of these cases is a product-liability suit. A source that describes a LifeWave injury lawsuit or a settlement fund is not describing these dockets.
“LifeWave operates a multi-level marketing business that sells health and wellness products. LifeWave specializes in ‘phototherapy patches,’ small adhesive patches to be worn on the body.”
Source: Federal Trade Commission v. Merritt, No. 9:26-cv-80485 (S.D. Fla.), Complaint, Document 1, paragraph 11 (April 27, 2026)
Why Was the LifeWave Lawsuit Filed?
The LifeWave lawsuit was filed because the FTC alleged the Merritts promised recruits far more income than most earn. The agency pointed to LifeWave's own 2024 income disclosure statement as the evidence that those claims were false or unsubstantiated.
The other two cases have different reasons. Leon Weingrad sued over marketing text messages that he says violated the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale sued LifeWave, Inc. for breach of contract. LifeWave answered that their agreement requires arbitration.
What Harms Does the LifeWave Lawsuit Allege?
The LifeWave lawsuit alleges harms in three distinct categories, and each one belongs to a different case. The FTC alleges financial harm to recruits. Weingrad alleges unwanted contact. La Laurel alleges a broken agreement. None of the three alleges a physical injury from a patch.
Deceptive Earnings Claims
Deceptive earnings claims are statements that lead people to expect more income than most participants actually receive.
The FTC alleges the Merritts promised recruits large incomes, including more than $25,000 a week. LifeWave's own data shows otherwise. The complaint cites the 2024 income disclosure statement. It reports that only 21% of registered, active Brand Partners received a commission. Average U.S. earnings were $651 before expenses.
The same disclosure shows that 92.48% of active partners hold the lowest rank, with a median annual income of $0. The Merritts neither admitted nor denied the allegations in the stipulated order. The FTC did not allege that LifeWave, Inc. itself made these claims.
Unsolicited Marketing Text Messages
The Telephone Consumer Protection Act is a federal law that limits marketing calls and texts. It covers numbers on the National Do Not Call Registry.
Leon Weingrad alleges that he received marketing text messages in violation of that law. His complaint, filed in Oregon, was amended to name Renate Lundberg alongside LifeWave, Inc. The docket calls the operative pleading a class action complaint. LifeWave has asked the court to strike its class allegations.
LifeWave argues that the texts came from an Oregon phone number and that Weingrad has not alleged LifeWave sent them. The court has not ruled on that argument.
Breach of Contract
Breach of contract is a legal claim that one party failed to do what a written or implied agreement required.
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale sued LifeWave, Inc. in Georgia federal court under diversity jurisdiction. The public docket labels the case a breach of contract action. The filings reviewed for this page do not describe the underlying dispute.
LifeWave relied on its Policies and Procedures and a clickwrap acceptance to argue that the dispute belongs in arbitration. The judge agreed, and the court record has not disclosed any ruling on the contract claim itself.
What Is the Current Status of the LifeWave Lawsuit?
The current status of the LifeWave lawsuit is three separate federal cases at three different stages. The FTC case resolved by stipulation on the day it was filed. The Oregon case awaits rulings on motions to dismiss. The Georgia case is stayed pending arbitration. Docket details were checked on October 20, 2026.
Federal Trade Commission v. Merritt
The FTC filed its complaint against Steven and Gina Merritt on April 27, 2026. A stipulated order for permanent injunction came with it. The Merritts hold the rank of Elite Senior Presidential Director at LifeWave and say their team has 250,000 Brand Partners. The FTC's case page lists the matter as pending. Its published copy of the order leaves the entry date blank.
| Court | U.S. District Court, Southern District of Florida |
| Case Number | 9:26-cv-80485-DMM |
| Plaintiff | Federal Trade Commission |
| Defendants | Steven Merritt and Gina Merritt |
| Claim | Count I, deceptive earnings claims under Section 5(a) of the FTC Act |
| Filed | April 27, 2026 |
| Relief | Permanent injunction; no payment or refund terms in the order |
The order bars the Merritts from misrepresenting what participants earn or are likely to earn. It requires written substantiation for any earnings claim. It also requires an email notice to their downline within 7 days of entry and compliance reporting.
Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc.
Leon Weingrad filed the Oregon case on May 6, 2025, under the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. The stipulated amended complaint, filed September 10, 2025, added Renate Lundberg as a defendant. LifeWave moved on October 15, 2025 to dismiss the amended class complaint, strike the class allegations and stay discovery. Lundberg filed her own motion to dismiss on December 19, 2025.
| Court | U.S. District Court, District of Oregon |
| Case Number | 3:25-cv-00752 |
| Judge | Adrienne Nelson |
| Plaintiff | Leon Weingrad |
| Defendants | LifeWave, Inc. and Renate Lundberg |
| Plaintiff's Counsel | Anthony Paronich (Paronich Law, P.C.) and Andrew Roman Perrong (Perrong Law LLC) |
| Filed | May 6, 2025 |
| Class Status | Putative class; no class certified |
| Last Docket Entry Checked | April 26, 2026, a notice of supplemental authority |
Both motions to dismiss were fully briefed, and both defendants requested oral argument. No ruling on either motion was found.
La Laurel LLC v. LifeWave, Inc.
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale filed the Georgia case on September 22, 2025. Judge Mark H. Cohen compelled arbitration on May 15, 2026 and stayed the case. The Eleventh Circuit dismissed the plaintiffs' appeal on September 11, 2026. An order that compels arbitration and stays a case is not appealable.
| Court | U.S. District Court, Northern District of Georgia |
| Case Number | 1:25-cv-05417-MHC |
| Judge | Mark H. Cohen |
| Plaintiffs | La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale |
| Defendant | LifeWave, Inc. |
| Nature of Suit | Contract, diversity (28 U.S.C. § 1332) |
| Appeal | Eleventh Circuit No. 26-11972, dismissed September 11, 2026 |
| Current Posture | Administratively closed pending arbitration; either party may move to reopen afterward |
On October 1, 2026, the district court denied the plaintiffs' restraining order motion and their motion to amend. The Eleventh Circuit's mandate issued on October 14, 2026.
Is There a LifeWave Lawsuit Payout?
No. There is no LifeWave lawsuit payout to claim. The FTC's order against the Merritts sets no payment, and the other two cases have no settlement.
That statement describes the record as of October 20, 2026, and a later settlement or order could change it. Only a qualified attorney reviewing your own situation can say whether you have any claim.
The FTC order was a permanent injunction. It does not create a refund fund for people who joined through the Merritts. It does not say anyone will receive money.
The Oregon case is the only one that could involve damages for many people. No judge has certified a class there. If a class were certified and won, the Telephone Consumer Protection Act allows $500 per violation. Knowing violations can bring up to three times that.
LifeWave Lawsuit Updates
Here are the latest LifeWave lawsuit updates. They cover the FTC's Merritt case, the Oregon class action and the Georgia arbitration dispute. No settlement has been announced in any of them as of October 20, 2026. The full timeline below lists every verified development in order.
LifeWave Lawsuit Timeline of Events
Eleventh Circuit Issues Mandate in La Laurel v. LifeWave
The Eleventh Circuit issued its certified mandate on October 14, 2026. That closed the appeal La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale brought against LifeWave, Inc. The Northern District of Georgia case remains administratively closed pending arbitration.
Georgia Court Denies Restraining Order and Amendment Against LifeWave
Judge Mark H. Cohen denied the La Laurel plaintiffs' motion for a temporary restraining order against LifeWave, Inc. on October 1, 2026. The order also denied their motion to amend and supplement the complaint, and it kept the case closed pending arbitration.
La Laurel Plaintiffs Move to Supplement Complaint Against LifeWave
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale moved on September 20, 2026 to amend their complaint against LifeWave, Inc. They filed a reply brief on their restraining order motion the same day.
LifeWave Opposes Restraining Order in Georgia Case
LifeWave, Inc. filed its opposition to the La Laurel plaintiffs' restraining order motion on September 18, 2026. It attached an affidavit with seven exhibits, including change logs, orders, invoices and last activity dates.
Eleventh Circuit Dismisses La Laurel Appeal for Lack of Jurisdiction
In unpublished No. 26-11972, Judges Branch, Luck and Kidd dismissed the La Laurel appeal on September 11, 2026. The panel held that an order compelling arbitration and staying a case, rather than dismissing it, cannot be appealed.
La Laurel Plaintiffs Seek Restraining Order Against LifeWave
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale moved for a temporary restraining order against LifeWave, Inc. on September 8, 2026. They asked for an immediate hearing. The motion attached letters dated August 12, 17 and 24, a 2025 Policies and Procedures document and a Coale declaration.
La Laurel Plaintiffs Appeal Arbitration Order
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale filed a notice of appeal to the Eleventh Circuit on June 4, 2026. They challenged the Northern District of Georgia order that compelled arbitration of their breach of contract claims against LifeWave, Inc.
Georgia Judge Compels Arbitration in La Laurel v. LifeWave
Judge Mark H. Cohen granted LifeWave, Inc.'s motion to dismiss and compel arbitration on May 15, 2026. The court stayed the La Laurel case and closed it administratively pending arbitration.
FTC Sues Two LifeWave Brand Partners Over Earnings Claims
The Federal Trade Commission filed FTC v. Merritt, No. 9:26-cv-80485, in the Southern District of Florida on April 27, 2026. A stipulated order against Steven and Gina Merritt came with it. The complaint cites LifeWave's 2024 income disclosure, which showed that 79% of active Brand Partners earned no commissions. The Commission voted 2-0 to authorize it.
Weingrad Files Supplemental Authority in Oregon TCPA Case
Leon Weingrad filed a notice of supplemental authority on April 26, 2026 in Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc., citing Wilson v. TPH. It is the latest docket entry checked in the District of Oregon case before Judge Adrienne Nelson.
BBB National Programs Closes Second Inquiry Into LifeWave Claims
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council closed Case #254-2026 against LifeWave, Inc. on April 1, 2026. It had reviewed 8 earnings claims and 2 product performance claims on Facebook and a salesforce member's blog. It accepted the company's removal of the posts.
LifeWave Sues Paikesi Clothing Shenzhen in California
LifeWave, Inc. filed Lifewave, Inc. v. Paikesi Clothing Shenzhen Co., Ltd., No. 2:26-cv-02695, in the Central District of California on March 13, 2026. LifeWave is the plaintiff in that case, and the sources reviewed do not describe its claims.
Lundberg Files Sur-Response in Weingrad v. LifeWave
Renate Lundberg filed a sur-response on March 9, 2026 in support of her motion to dismiss in Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc. in the District of Oregon. She requested oral argument on that motion, which was already fully briefed.
Weingrad Cites DaBella Decision in LifeWave Case
Leon Weingrad filed a notice of supplemental authority on February 25, 2026 citing Weingrad v. DaBella Exteriors, LLC, a separate Oregon Telephone Consumer Protection Act case. The notice appears on the Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc. docket.
Lundberg Files Reply on Motion to Dismiss
Renate Lundberg filed her reply brief on January 16, 2026. It supports her motion to dismiss the amended complaint in the Weingrad case. Leon Weingrad had opposed that motion on January 2, 2026.
LifeWave Files Reply Brief in La Laurel Arbitration Fight
LifeWave, Inc. filed its reply on December 22, 2025. It supports the motion to dismiss and compel arbitration in the La Laurel case. The same day, the court sealed one exhibit to the plaintiffs' opposition on a consent motion.
Lundberg Moves to Dismiss Weingrad Amended Complaint
Renate Lundberg filed a motion to dismiss for failure to state a claim on December 19, 2025. She was added as a defendant in the Oregon TCPA case. She has separate counsel from LifeWave, Inc. and requested oral argument.
La Laurel Plaintiffs Oppose Arbitration Motion
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale opposed LifeWave, Inc.'s motion to dismiss and compel arbitration on December 9, 2025. Their exhibits included a declaration, text messages, emails and a proposed agreement and waiver.
LifeWave Moves to Compel Arbitration in Georgia
LifeWave, Inc. moved on November 25, 2025 to dismiss and compel arbitration in La Laurel LLC v. LifeWave, Inc. A declaration from Brian Kennington attached its 2019, 2020 and 2023 Policies and Procedures. It also attached a clickwrap acceptance and a 2025 demand letter.
LifeWave Completes Briefing on Oregon Motion to Dismiss
LifeWave, Inc. filed its reply brief on November 12, 2025. That completed briefing on its motion to dismiss the amended class complaint in the Weingrad case. It requested oral argument. Leon Weingrad had opposed the motion on October 29, 2025.
LifeWave Moves to Dismiss Weingrad Class Complaint and Strike Class Allegations
LifeWave, Inc. moved on October 15, 2025 to dismiss the First Amended Class Action Complaint in Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc., strike its class allegations and stay discovery. It argues that Weingrad does not allege LifeWave sent the Oregon-number texts.
Georgia Case Against LifeWave Reassigned to Judge Cohen
Judge Amy Totenberg declined the assignment of La Laurel LLC v. LifeWave, Inc., No. 1:25-cv-05417, on October 3, 2025. The Northern District of Georgia reassigned it to Judge Mark H. Cohen the same day.
La Laurel and Onyx Coale Sue LifeWave in Georgia
La Laurel LLC and Onyx Lauren Coale sued LifeWave, Inc. in the Northern District of Georgia on September 22, 2025. The docket entry is dated September 23. The complaint pleads breach of contract under diversity jurisdiction and demands a jury.
Oregon Court Denies First Motion to Dismiss as Moot
Judge Adrienne Nelson denied LifeWave, Inc.'s first motion to dismiss in Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc. as moot on September 19, 2025. The stipulated amended complaint, filed September 10, 2025, had replaced the original pleading and added Renate Lundberg.
Oregon Court Strikes Early Amended Complaint in Weingrad
The District of Oregon struck Leon Weingrad's amended complaint against LifeWave, Inc. and Renate Lundberg on August 29, 2025. He had filed it on August 27 outside the Rule 15(a)(1) window, without consent or leave. The parties then stipulated to a refiling.
LifeWave Moves to Dismiss Original Weingrad Complaint
LifeWave, Inc. filed a motion to dismiss, strike and stay on June 27, 2025 in Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc., after the court extended its response deadline. Leon Weingrad opposed it on July 30, 2025 with exhibits of the text messages and linked materials.
Leon Weingrad Sues LifeWave Under the TCPA in Oregon
Leon Weingrad filed Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc., No. 3:25-cv-00752, in the District of Oregon on May 6, 2025. The case was assigned to Judge Adrienne Nelson, and the nature of suit is the Telephone Consumer Protection Act. His counsel are Paronich Law and Perrong Law.
BBB National Programs Closes First Inquiry Into LifeWave Claims
The Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council closed Case #199-2025 against LifeWave, Inc. on March 3, 2025. It had challenged 7 earnings claims and 2 product claims, including an assertion that X39 was scientifically proven. LifeWave did not try to substantiate them, and its salesforce members removed all nine posts.
WIPO Panel Denies LifeWave Domain Name Complaint
Panelist Andrew D. S. Lothian denied LifeWave Inc. v. Wolfgang Klein, Case No. D2023-3333, on September 27, 2023. LifeWave had asked WIPO to transfer the domain x39s.com. The panel found the complaint perfunctory. LifeWave had not shown that the registrant lacked legitimate interests or acted in bad faith.
FTC Sends Notice of Penalty Offenses to LifeWave
Truth in Advertising reports that the FTC sent LifeWave a Notice of Penalty Offenses on October 26, 2021. It concerned money-making opportunity claims. The date comes from that organization's brand timeline, and the notice itself was not located on the FTC's own site.
LifeWave Sues Wavelife Technologies USA in California
LifeWave, Inc. sued Wavelife Technologies USA Inc. and a Doe defendant on July 2, 2020. The docket ID is 2:20-cv-05961 in the Central District of California. LifeWave was the plaintiff, represented by ARC IP Law PC, and the sources reviewed do not state the outcome.
What Has LifeWave Said About the LifeWave Lawsuit?
LifeWave, Inc. has not been sued by the FTC. The sources reviewed include no public LifeWave statement on the Merritt case. Its only quoted response came in the BBB National Programs inquiries. LifeWave said it takes seriously its duty to make sure independent salesforce members market the business truthfully.
The company told the DSSRC it worked with the field to remove the challenged posts. It said it is committed to being an exemplary corporate citizen. In the Oregon and Georgia cases, LifeWave argues that the claims should be dismissed or arbitrated.
| Body | Date | Matter | Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|
| BBB National Programs DSSRC | March 3, 2025 | Case #199-2025, earnings and product claims | Administratively closed after posts were removed |
| BBB National Programs DSSRC | April 1, 2026 | Case #254-2026, earnings and product claims | Administratively closed after posts were removed |
| Federal Trade Commission | April 27, 2026 | FTC v. Merritt, against two Brand Partners | Stipulated order, no payment |
DSSRC closures are voluntary industry self-regulation, and a closure is not a finding that any claim was true. The FTC's order binds only Steven and Gina Merritt.
How Does the LifeWave Lawsuit Compare to Other LifeWave Cases?
The LifeWave lawsuit is one of several distinct matters involving LifeWave, Inc. The cases differ in who sued whom and why. The three cases described above name LifeWave or its Brand Partners as defendants. LifeWave itself is the plaintiff or complainant in the matters below.
| Case | LifeWave's Role | Court or Body | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| FTC v. Merritt | Not a party; Brand Partners are defendants | S.D. Fla., 9:26-cv-80485 | Stipulated order filed April 27, 2026 |
| Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc. | Defendant | D. Or., 3:25-cv-00752 | Motions to dismiss pending |
| La Laurel LLC v. LifeWave, Inc. | Defendant | N.D. Ga., 1:25-cv-05417 | Arbitration, case closed administratively |
| Lifewave, Inc. v. Paikesi Clothing Shenzhen | Plaintiff | C.D. Cal., 2:26-cv-02695 | Filed March 13, 2026 |
| LifeWave Inc. v. Wavelife Technologies USA | Plaintiff | C.D. Cal., 2:20-cv-05961 | Filed July 2, 2020; outcome not found |
| LifeWave Inc. v. Wolfgang Klein | Complainant | WIPO, D2023-3333 | Complaint denied September 27, 2023 |
Some lawsuit-summary websites describe patent suits or competitor suits against LifeWave. No docket confirming them was found, so this page does not treat them as established cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the LifeWave lawsuit about?
The LifeWave lawsuit is about the FTC's April 27, 2026 case against two LifeWave Brand Partners, Steven and Gina Merritt. The name also covers a TCPA class action in Oregon and a contract dispute in Georgia. Those are separate cases.
Is the LifeWave lawsuit a class action?
The Oregon case, Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc., is a putative class action, but no court has certified a class. The FTC case and the Georgia case are not class actions.
Did the FTC sue LifeWave?
No. The FTC sued Steven and Gina Merritt, who are LifeWave Brand Partners. The complaint pleads no claim against LifeWave, Inc. The stipulated order binds only the Merritts.
Is there a LifeWave lawsuit payout or settlement fund?
There is no LifeWave lawsuit payout as of October 20, 2026. The FTC order contains no payment terms, and neither the Oregon case nor the Georgia case has a settlement.
Why is the Georgia LifeWave case in arbitration?
The Georgia LifeWave case is in arbitration because Judge Mark H. Cohen granted LifeWave's motion to compel it on May 15, 2026. The Eleventh Circuit then held it could not hear an appeal from an order that stays a case.
Is the Weingrad case the same as the FTC case?
No. Weingrad v. LifeWave, Inc. is a private Telephone Consumer Protection Act case in Oregon about marketing texts, and FTC v. Merritt is a federal agency case in Florida about earnings claims. They have different courts, plaintiffs and defendants.