Carbolic Smoke Ball Company

The Carbolic Smoke Ball Company was an English business in the late 19th century that sold a product called the Smoke Ball, advertised as a medical device to prevent cold and influenza. They claimed that if customers used the product as directed and still contracted illness, they would pay compensation. When a woman used the ball but still got sick, she sued the company for breach of contract. The case became famous as it clarified how advertisements can create binding contractual promises, establishing important legal principles about offers, acceptance, and intention in advertising.