FTC

Brain Supplement Manufacturer Seeks Judicial Confirmation Regarding Claim Substantiation

Prevagen is a dietary supplement that purports to support healthy brain function. Its manufacturer, Quincy Bioscience, is requesting that a federal appeals court affirm a lower court’s recent decision to dismiss dismissing a deceptive advertising lawsuit filed against the company by the Federal Trade Commission and the New York Office of the Attorney General. The…

The FTC’s “Gut Check” Guide for Identifying Deceptive Weight Loss Claims

The Federal Trade Commission consistently initiates investigations and enforcement actions designed to curb misleading claims for products promoting easy weight loss and slimmer bodies. In doing so, the FTC has provided guidance for advertisers and publishers of weight-loss claim “red flags” that are likely to draw the ire of a regulator. The guidance is entitled,…

FTC Commissioner Wants More Aggressive Penalties for Repeat Offenders

The Federal Trade Commission’s enforcement program is designed to ensure that defendants under court order for FTC Act violations do not become repeat offenders.  Rohit Chopra, a Trump appointee to the Federal Trade Commission, wants the agency to take a more aggressive stance. On May 11, 2018, Mr. Chopra issues an official statement declaring that “the credibility of…

FTC Enforcement Power Being Put to the Test

The Federal Trade Commission has appealed to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit the dismissal by the Delaware U.S. District Court of the agency’s complaint against Shire ViroPharma Inc.  The FTC previously charged Shire with violating Section 5(a) of the FTC Act by engaging in an unfair method of competition with respect…

MarketingProfs Publishes Article on B2B TSR Exemption by Telemarketing Compliance Lawyer Richard B. Newman

On April 19, MarketingProfs published an article authored by telemarketing compliance attorney Richard B. Newman, entitled ‘The B2B Exemption to the Telemarketing Sales Rule.’ In the article, Richard discusses the FTC’s Telemarketing Sale Rule (TSR) and its key provisions, including disclosure obligations,  prohibited misrepresentations, calling curfews, caller ID requirements, abandonment prohibitions, billing and payment restrictions, upsell requirements, pre-recorded message restrictions and…

FTC Approves Final Settlement Regarding Deceptive “Made in USA” Claims

The Federal Trade Commission recently announced the approval of a final consent order settling charges that Pennsylvania-based Bollman Hat Company has agreed to stop deceptive use of its “American Made Matters” certification and marketing materials.   First announced in January 2018, the FTC’s complaint against Bollman Hat Company and its wholly-owned subsidiary, SaveAnAmericanJob, LLC, alleges that Bollman…