(a)
A violation of this article is an act of unfair competition within the meaning of Chapter 5 (commencing with Section 17200) of Part 2 of Division 7, and this article is enforceable as provided in that chapter.
(b)
In addition thereto, any person or trade association may bring an action to enjoin and restrain any violation of this article and to recover actual damages, if any.
(c)
In an action for injunctive relief under this article, it is not necessary to allege or prove actual damages or the threat thereof, or actual injury or the threat thereof, to the plaintiff. In addition to injunctive relief, the plaintiff in any action shall recover three times the amount of his or her actual damages, if any, as well as three times the actual damages, if any, sustained by any person who has assigned to the plaintiff a claim for damages resulting from a violation of this section. In any action under this article in which judgment is entered against the defendant, the plaintiff shall be awarded reasonable attorneys’ fees together with the costs of suit.
(d)
In issuing an injunction against a violation under this article, the court may, in its discretion, include any other restraint it deems expedient in order to deter the defendant from and ensure against future violations of this article.
(e)
Proof of malice or intent to harm competition is immaterial to sustain a cause of action under this article.