Consumer Confidence in Internet Marketplace Depends on Privacy Protections, FTC Tells Senate Commerce Committee

The Federal Trade Commission today told Congress that consumers must be confident that their privacy will be protected if they are to be willing to take advantage of all the benefits offered by the Internet marketplace. Commission testimony to the Senate Committee on Commerce, Science and Transportation, delivered by Commissioner Julie Brill, states that, “Privacy […]

FTC Settlement Prohibits Marketer from Claiming that Nivea Skin Cream Can Help Consumers Slim Down

As part of its ongoing efforts to protect consumers from over-hyped advertising claims, the Federal Trade Commission reached a settlement requiring Nivea skin cream maker Beiersdorf, Inc. to stop claiming that regular use of its Nivea My Silhouette! skin cream can significantly reduce consumers’ body size.  The company also has agreed to pay $900,000 as […]

FTC Extends Deadline to Comment on Patents and Standard-Setting Project

The Federal Trade Commission is extending the deadline for public comments on standard setting until August 5, 2011. The FTC hosted a public workshop on June 21, 2011 as part of a project to examine the legal and policy issues surrounding the competition problem of potential “hold-up” when patented technologies are included in collaborative standards. […]

FTC Approves Simon Property Group’s Request to Divest Prime Outlets in Jeffersonville, Ohio, to Tanger Properties Limited Partnership

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved an application filed by Simon Property Group, Inc. seeking approval to divest its Prime Outlets outlet center in Jeffersonville, Ohio, to Tanger Properties Limited Partnership. Simon is required to divest one of its two outlet centers located in Southwest Ohio under the FTC’s January […]

Facts from the FTC: What You Should Know About Mobile Apps

Tips for Consumers June 28, 2011 New technology can bring tremendous benefits to consumers, but it also can present new challenges. Mobile apps offered on cell phones and other portable devices such as tablets and music players can perform a range of consumer services such as locating the nearest retail stores, managing shopping lists, tracking […]

Consumer Reporting Agency to Pay $1.8 Million for Fair Credit Reporting Act Violations

Teletrack, Inc. has agreed to pay $1.8 million to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it sold credit reports to marketers, in violation of the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). This settlement seeks to protect consumers’ privacy by ensuring that their sensitive credit report information is not sold for marketing purposes. According to the FTC’s […]

FTC Seeks Public Comment on ConocoPhillips’ Application to Modify Final Commission Order and to Approve Amended Licensing Agreements with Holly Corp.

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on an application filed by ConocoPhillips to modify a final FTC order that settled the FTC’s competition concerns arising from Conoco Inc.’s 2002 merger with Phillips Petroleum Company. As described in the application, the Commission’s order required ConocoPhillips to sell to Holly Corp. the Woods Cross, Utah […]

FTC Files Amicus Brief in U.S. District Court Opposing Proposed Class Action Settlement with Debt Buyer Midland Funding LLC

The Federal Trade Commission filed an amicus brief in federal court opposing a class action settlement that would require consumers to surrender protections provided by the Fair Debt Collection Practices Act (FDCPA) and state laws in exchange for minimal payments. The proposed settlement in Vassalle v. Midland Funding would resolve several private class action lawsuits […]

FTC’s Bureau of Competition Offers Guidance on Obtaining an Advisory Opinion

The Bureau of Competition of the Federal Trade Commission has developed a guidance document for those considering filing a request for an advisory opinion from the FTC or its staff on competition topics. Under the FTC’s Rules of Practice, the Commission or its staff may offer industry guidance in the form of an advisory opinion, […]

Alison Oldale Named Deputy Director of FTCs Bureau of Economics

Dr. Alison Oldale will join the Federal Trade Commission as Deputy Director for Antitrust in the Bureau of Economics.  Dr. Oldale has been serving as the Chief Economist for the United Kingdom’s Competition Commission, with high-level responsibilities both in economics and in strategic management.  She joined the Competition Commission in 2009 from economics consulting firm […]