FTC Adds Defendant in Case Against Allegedly Bogus Precious Metals Dealers

The Federal Trade Commission has named an additional defendant as part of its case against a telemarketing operation that allegedly conned senior citizens into buying precious metals on credit without clearly disclosing significant costs and risks, including the likelihood that consumers would have to pay more money or lose their investment. According to papers filed […]

FTC Adds New Protections for Consumers Seeking to Work from Home

The Federal Trade Commission has approved changes to its Business Opportunity Rule that will ensure that consumers have the information they need when considering buying a work-at-home program or any other business opportunity. The changes simplify the disclosures that business opportunity sellers must provide to prospective buyers. The simplified disclosures will help prospective purchasers assess […]

Nation’s Largest Pool Products Distributor Settles FTC Charges of Anticompetitive Tactics

Pool Corporation (PoolCorp), the largest distributor of swimming pool products in the United States, has agreed to stop anticompetitive tactics that it allegedly has been using to keep out new competitors in local markets around the nation, as part of a settlement that resolves charges by the Federal Trade Commission. PoolCorp distributes products used in […]

FTC Announces Agenda, Panelists for Facial Recognition Workshop

Face Facts: A Forum on Facial Recognition TechnologyDecember 8, 2011 8:30 am Registration         9:30 am Welcome & Introductory Remarks: Chairman Jon Leibowitz       10:00 am Panel 1 – Facial Detection & Recognition Technology: How Does It Work?   Moderator: Edward W. Felten, Chief Technologist, FTC   Panelists: Ralph Gross, […]

FTC Extends Deadline for Comments on Proposed Amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule Until December 23

The Federal Trade Commission has extended until December 23, 2011, the deadline for the public to submit comments on proposed amendments to the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Rule, which gives parents control over what personal information websites and online services may collect from children under 13. In September, the FTC announced that it was proposing […]

FTC Challenges OSF Healthcare System’s Proposed Acquisition of Rockford Health System as Anticompetitive

As part of its ongoing effort to protect U.S. health care consumers,the Federal Trade Commission today challenged OSF Healthcare System’s proposed acquisition of Rockford Health System. The FTC filed an administrative complaint against both hospital systems, charging that the acquisition would substantially reduce competition among hospitals and primary care physicians in Rockford, Illinois, and significantly […]

FTC Seeks Public Comment on Energy Labels for Home Heating and Cooling Equipment

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on new energy labeling requirements for residential furnaces, central air conditioners, and heat pumps, to help consumers and businesses install equipment appropriate for their location under the Department of Energy’s new regional efficiency standards. The new DOE standards are mandated by the Energy Policy and Conservation Act […]

FTC Issues Performance and Accountability Report for Fiscal Year 2011

The Federal Trade Commission has issued its Fiscal Year (FY) 2011 Performance and Accountability Report. The report shows American taxpayers how the FTC has managed its resources, highlights major accomplishments in fulfilling the FTC’s two core goals of protecting consumers and promoting competition, and outlines plans for addressing future challenges. As required by the Reports […]

FTC Seeks Public Comments on Trustee’s Proposal in Tops Markets Matter to Sell Former Penn Traffic Supermarket in Bath, New York to Save-A-Lot

The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comments on an application filed by the Divestiture Trustee in the Tops Markets matter seeking approval to sell one former Penn Traffic supermarket to Moran Foods, Inc., d/b/a Save-A-Lot, Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of SuperValu. Pursuant to an FTC order settling charges that Tops Markets’ January 2010 […]

FTC Approves BASF’s Application to Extend Manufacturing Agreement Related to 2009 Acquisition of Ciba; FTC Approves ConocoPhillips’ Application to Modify Final Commission Order and to Amend Licensing Agreements with Holly Corp.

FTC Approves BASF’s Application to Extend Manufacturing Agreement Related to 2009 Acquisition of Ciba The Federal Trade Commission has approved an application by global chemical company BASF SE to extend a manufacturing agreement, entered into in compliance with a 2009 settlement order, which imposed certain requirements on BASF’s acquisition of rival Ciba Holding, Inc. BASF […]