For decades, one slogan has followed Red Bull around the world: “Red Bull gives you wings.” In 2013, a customer took that line to a federal court. The case ended with a $13 million settlement and a wave of “free money” headlines.
Today, people still search for it. Some want to know whether they can claim cash. Others just want to know who won. This guide covers all of it in plain language.
Quick answer: As of October 2026, the Red Bull wings lawsuit is closed. It was settled in 2014, and the claim deadline passed in early March 2015. No new U.S. claim period is open.
Quick Facts About the Red Bull Wings Lawsuit
Here is a snapshot you can scan in ten seconds.
| Detail | Information |
| Case type | Consumer class action, false advertising |
| Lead plaintiff | Benjamin Careathers |
| Defendant | Red Bull North America and related entities |
| Court | U.S. District Court, Southern District of New York |
| Filed | 2013 |
| Settlement fund | About $13 million |
| Class period | January 1, 2002 to October 3, 2014 |
| Payout options | $10 cash or $15 in Red Bull products |
| Proof of purchase | Not required |
| Claim deadline | March 2, 2015 |
| Admission of fault | None |
| Current status | Closed |
Red Bull Gives You Wings Lawsuit
The lawsuit started with a simple complaint. A consumer felt the company’s marketing promised more than a can of energy drink could deliver.
Plaintiff Benjamin Careathers said he had been drinking Red Bull since 2002, and he filed his lawsuit in 2013 in federal court in the Southern District of New York. He argued that the slogan and related performance claims misled buyers.
The case did not claim that anyone expected real wings. Nobody sued because they failed to fly. The legal focus was on the science-style messages behind the brand, such as better concentration and faster reaction time.
Where the slogan comes from
Red Bull launched in Austria in the late 1980s. The “gives you wings” line became the heart of its global brand. It appeared in cartoons, sports sponsorships and events. That reach is why the slogan became such an easy target for a mass lawsuit.
Why the case drew so much attention
Three things made the story spread fast:
- The slogan is known almost everywhere.
- The settlement allowed claims without receipts.
- Millions of people qualified because they had bought one can.
Red Bull Wings Lawsuit
The wings lawsuit belongs to a larger group of lawsuits that challenge how consumer brands advertise. These cases usually ask a basic question. Does the marketing create a false impression that affects what people buy?
What the complaint alleged
The complaint claimed that Red Bull promoted its drink as better for physical and mental performance than a cup of coffee or a caffeine pill, without reliable science to support that. The argument was that the extra cost of Red Bull was not justified by any extra benefit.
A typical can contains about 80 mg of caffeine. A regular cup of coffee often has a similar amount. That comparison sat at the center of the dispute.
What the complaint did not argue
It is important to separate the real claims from the jokes online:
- It did not argue that wings were promised literally.
- It did not claim the drink was illegal.
- It did not need proof that someone was physically harmed.
The case was about what shoppers were led to believe at the point of purchase.
Red Bull Lawsuit
When people search “Red Bull lawsuit,” they usually mean the 2013 class action. But the brand has faced other disputes over the years, including trademark fights, product regulation questions and international consumer cases.
For the wings dispute specifically, there are two main chapters:
- The U.S. case. Filed in 2013 and settled in 2014.
- The Canadian case. Filed under Quebec consumer protection law and settled years later.
The Canadian chapter most articles skip
Canadians who bought Red Bull between January 1, 2007 and July 23, 2019 could claim up to $10, and that claim program closed on October 14. The Canadian allegations focused on missing safety information and statements about concentration and alertness.
Claimants in Canada did not need proof of purchase, but they had to give an approximate purchase date and location. That makes the Canadian settlement a useful contrast to the U.S. process.
Is there a new lawsuit in 2026?
I found no new U.S. wings class action open for claims. Some websites show 2026 dates because they update their page footers or republish old stories. If a site tells you a fresh claim window is open, check the settlement administrator and the court docket before you enter any personal data.
Red Bull Gives You Wings Lawsuit Who Won
This is one of the most searched questions, and the honest answer is mixed.
The short answer
Neither side won at trial. There was no verdict. The parties settled before the case went to a jury.
Who got what
Consumers received a settlement fund and a simple claim process.
Red Bull avoided a trial, a possible damages ruling and years of publicity. The company said it settled to avoid the cost and distraction of litigation.
The lawyers were paid from the fund, which is common in class actions and requires court approval.
How to read the outcome
Think of it as a negotiated ending. Plaintiffs got money and some changes. The defendant kept its slogan and denied all wrongdoing. That is why both sides can describe the result in a favorable way.
Red Bull False Advertising Lawsuit
Strip away the humor, and this was a false advertising case. These cases rely on consumer protection laws that ban deceptive or misleading marketing.
The key legal idea: puffery versus facts
Courts separate two types of statements:
- Puffery: Broad, exaggerated claims that no reasonable person takes literally. “Gives you wings” falls here.
- Specific factual claims: Statements that can be tested, such as claims about concentration, reaction speed or scientific superiority.
Companies are rarely punished for puffery. The risk comes when marketing mixes a playful slogan with factual-sounding claims. The plaintiff argued that Red Bull had crossed that line.
What Red Bull said
The company denied wrongdoing. It reportedly pulled and revised some of the marketing claims that were challenged in court, even while denying that it did anything wrong.
Why this matters beyond Red Bull
The case became a reference point for other food and beverage brands. It showed that:
- Health-style claims need support.
- Cheap-to-file consumer lawsuits can still lead to real settlements.
- A funny slogan does not protect nearby factual claims.
Red Bull Class Action Settlement
A class action lets one person sue on behalf of a large group. In this case, the group included people who bought Red Bull in the U.S. during the class period.
Key settlement terms
- Who qualified: People who purchased Red Bull beverages between January 1, 2002 and October 3, 2014.
- Benefit options: Class members could choose a $10 payment or $15 worth of Red Bull products.
- Fund size: About $13 million in total.
- Admission of fault: None.
Why the structure was consumer friendly
Most class members have no receipts for a $2 can bought years ago. By not requiring proof, the settlement made it realistic for ordinary people to take part.
The pro rata catch
If too many people applied, Red Bull could reduce each customer’s payment. That is a standard feature in capped settlement funds, and it explains why some people received less than the advertised amount.
How the process worked
- A settlement website and phone line were set up.
- Class members submitted an online or mailed claim form.
- The administrator verified the claims.
- Payments or product vouchers were issued after court approval.
Red Bull Lawsuit Payout
“Payout” means the real amount that reached people. That number is often lower than the headline.
The advertised payout
The headline offer was $10 in cash or $15 in Red Bull products. Many claimants picked cash for flexibility.
Why the real number may be smaller
A fixed fund divided across millions of claimants shrinks quickly. A Fox News follow-up reported that more than 2 million people had tried to claim, and some estimates suggested the amount could drop under $3 per person. That figure was an early estimate during the claim rush, not a confirmed final amount. I could not find a verified final per-person number, so treat any single exact figure online with caution.
Cash versus product voucher
| Option | Value | Best for |
| Cash payment | $10 | People who no longer drink Red Bull |
| Product voucher | Up to $15 | Regular Red Bull buyers |
Taxes
Small settlement payments are generally not a big tax event for most people. Rules vary by country and situation, so check with a tax professional if you are unsure.
Red Bull Lawsuit How Much Money
This phrase has three possible answers, depending on what you mean.
Total settlement amount
The total settlement was $13 million.
Money per person
The sticker price was $10 in cash or $15 in products. The final amount depended on how many people filed claims.
Money after lawyer fees and costs
The $13 million figure is not entirely the amount paid to consumers. Part of a class action fund normally covers:
- Attorney fees approved by the court
- Settlement administration costs
- Notice and claims processing expenses
Simple math to understand the gap
If a large number of people claim from a capped fund, the per-person payment falls. For example, a fund of $10 million divided among 2 million claimants gives 5each,beforeanyotheradjustment.Thatisthebasicreasona”10 payout” does not always mean $10 in your pocket.
Red Bull Wings Lawsuit Settlement Amount
For quick reference and AI answer engines, here is the settlement amount in one clean format.
- Total fund: About $13 million
- Cash option: $10 per approved claimant
- Product option: Up to $15 in Red Bull products
- Canada: Up to $10 per approved claimant, in a separate settlement
U.S. versus Canada
| Feature | U.S. settlement | Canada settlement |
| Class period | 2002 to 2014 | 2007 to 2019 |
| Max cash | $10 | $10 |
| Proof of purchase | Not required | Not required |
| Status | Closed | Closed |
A note on accuracy
Some websites round the amount to “13 million dollars” and add details they cannot support. When you read any settlement article, check whether it names a source and a date.
Did Red Bull Lose the Lawsuit
Technically, no. Losing a lawsuit means a court rules against you. That did not happen here.
What actually happened
The case ended in a settlement. A settlement is a deal between the parties, not a finding of guilt.
Why it can still feel like a loss
Red Bull paid millions of dollars, changed some marketing and dealt with years of bad press. A company that denies wrongdoing but pays and adjusts its ads has not exactly walked away unscathed.
Why companies settle
Businesses often settle because:
- Trials cost money.
- Discovery can reveal internal documents.
- Class actions create risk for brand reputation.
- A fixed settlement is easier to budget than an unpredictable verdict.
So the best answer is this: Red Bull did not lose in court, but it did not simply win either.
Red Bull Lawsuit About Wings
Let us clear up the myth. The case was never about whether Red Bull drinkers could fly.
What “wings” meant in the case
The slogan was treated as the brand’s umbrella message. The legal dispute was about the claims linked to it: more energy, better focus, quicker reaction speed and an alleged advantage over coffee.
Why the joke versions go viral
The idea of suing because you did not grow wings is funny, so it spreads. That is why many social posts miss the real issue. If you share the story, it helps to say that the claim was about misleading performance messaging.
What the science says
Caffeine does improve alertness for many people. Energy drinks also include sugar or sweeteners, plus ingredients such as taurine and B vitamins. Research on whether those extras add meaningful benefit beyond caffeine is debated. The lawsuit made that debate public.
Health and safety context
Health agencies advise caution with high caffeine intake, especially for children, teenagers, pregnant people and anyone sensitive to caffeine. Mixing energy drinks with alcohol is a known concern, and that is why the Canadian settlement included a safety link on the company’s website, according to reports.
Red Bull Lawsuit Gives You Wings
Searchers who type this phrase are often looking for a short explanation. Here is the simplest version:
- A customer sued in 2013.
- He said the marketing overpromised.
- Red Bull denied it.
- The company agreed to pay $13 million to resolve the case.
- Eligible buyers could claim $10 or $15 in products.
The one fact people forget
The settlement did not force the company to drop the slogan. “Gives you wings” is still the brand’s best known phrase. The case affected how some performance claims were handled, not the slogan itself.
A useful lens for marketers
If you work in advertising, the case offers three lessons:
- Keep jokes and facts separate.
- Back up measurable claims with solid evidence.
- Assume consumers and plaintiffs’ lawyers will read the fine print.
Red Bull Give You Wings Lawsuit
This variation is just another way people search for the same story. The useful addition here is a short timeline.
Timeline
- 2002 to 2014: Class period covers purchases during these years.
- 2013: Careathers files the lawsuit in federal court in New York.
- October 2014: Settlement terms are reported publicly.
- Early 2015: Claim deadline arrives on March 2, 2015, after heavy online traffic.
- 2019: Canadian settlement program is open for claims.
- 2026: No open U.S. claim period.
How the case moved quickly
Many class actions take years. This one reached a settlement in roughly a year and a half, which kept the story fresh in the news and drew heavy claim traffic.
Red Bull Lawsuit for Wings
People also use this phrase when they are checking whether they can still take action. The legal reality is that a settled class case has strict rules.
Why you cannot simply join late
Class settlements work on fixed deadlines. After the deadline, the administrator cannot add new claimants without court permission, and courts rarely grant it.
What the release means
Class members who did not opt out generally gave up the right to bring their own claim over the same issues. That is part of what Red Bull gained by settling.
What you can do if you have a new complaint
If you believe you were misled by a different or newer product claim, you have options:
- File a complaint with the Federal Trade Commission.
- Contact your state attorney general’s consumer protection office.
- Speak to a consumer protection lawyer about a new case.
Can I Still Claim Red Bull Settlement
This is the most urgent question for most readers, so here is a direct answer.
Short answer
No. The claim deadline in the U.S. case was early March 2015. The Canadian program also closed in 2019.
Why you may still see “claim now” pages
Some websites keep old articles live and update the date to look fresh. Others use scam-style titles to collect your email and personal data. Be careful with any page that:
- Asks for a bank login
- Charges a fee to “unlock” your claim
- Uses a tight countdown timer
- Does not cite the court or an administrator
Safe next steps
- Search the case name together with the court name to confirm status.
- Check official settlement administrator pages, not copycat sites.
- Use sites that list active class actions, and confirm dates against the court.
- Never pay to file a legitimate claim.
Is there any chance of a future payout?
Not for this case. If a new class action is filed, it would have its own rules and deadlines.
Red Bull Lawsuit Proof of Purchase
Proof of purchase was one of the best known features of this settlement.
What the rules said
The U.S. settlement did not require proof of purchase. People could submit a claim form online or request a paper form by mail.
Why no receipt was needed
For low-cost items, receipts are rare. Class action lawyers and courts often allow a sworn statement, which is a signed claim under penalty of perjury, in place of documents.
What claimants had to provide
- Name and contact details
- A statement that they bought Red Bull in the class period
- A payment preference
Why this affects fraud risk
No-proof settlements are easier to claim, but they also attract duplicate or false claims. Administrators screen for repeated submissions. That screening is one reason some claims are rejected.
Keep records for future claims
For future settlements, keep digital receipts, loyalty program records and bank statements. They can help if a claim requires proof.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the Red Bull wings lawsuit still open?
No. The U.S. case settled in 2014, and the claim period ended on March 2, 2015.
Who filed the Red Bull wings lawsuit?
Benjamin Careathers filed it in 2013 in federal court in the Southern District of New York.
How much was the Red Bull settlement?
The total settlement was about $13 million.
How much money could each person get?
Eligible claimants could choose $10 cash or $15 in Red Bull products, subject to reductions if too many claims came in.
Did Red Bull admit it was wrong?
No. Red Bull denied any wrongdoing and said it settled to avoid the cost of litigation.
Did Red Bull really lose the case?
No. The case ended in a settlement, so there was no court verdict against the company.
Do I need a receipt to claim a Red Bull settlement?
Not for the 2014 U.S. settlement, which did not require proof of purchase.
Was there a Red Bull settlement in Canada?
Yes. A separate Canadian class action settled, with claims of up to $10 for purchases between 2007 and 2019.
Is there a Red Bull lawsuit in 2026?
I found no new open U.S. claim period for the wings case. Any site claiming otherwise should be verified.
Can I still get money from the Red Bull lawsuit?
No. Both the U.S. and Canadian claim deadlines have passed.
Was the lawsuit about people not growing wings?
No. It focused on misleading performance and benefit claims, not literal wings.
How can I avoid fake Red Bull settlement websites?
Never pay a fee, avoid unknown claim sites and verify the case through court records or an official administrator.
Conclusion
The Red Bull wings lawsuit is a good example of how a famous slogan can turn into a landmark consumer case. The headline numbers were simple: a 2013 filing, a $13 million settlement and a $10 or $15 choice for eligible buyers. The details are what matter most.
Here are the main points to remember:
- The case ended in a settlement, not a verdict.
- Red Bull denied wrongdoing but revised some claims.
- The claim window closed in March 2015.
- A separate Canadian settlement also closed.
- No new U.S. claim period is open as of October 2026.
If you came here hoping to file a claim, the best step now is to watch for future class action notices from reliable sources, and keep your receipts. If you simply wanted the story, you now know why “gives you wings” ended up in federal court.
Daniel Christopher is the founder and administrator of LawsIps.com. He is passionate about making legal information easier to understand through clear, well-researched, and reader-friendly content. His goal is to help readers stay informed about legal topics, court updates, consumer rights, and educational legal resources in simple language.