As part of the Federal Trade Commission’s systematic review of all current FTC rules and guides, the FTC is seeking public comment on proposed changes to the FTC Rule that requires manufacturers and importers to attach labels with care instructions for garments and certain piece goods, so consumers have reliable instructions for drycleaning or washing, […]
Monthly Archives: September 2012
FTC Finalizes Privacy Settlement with Myspace
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling FTC charges that Myspace misrepresented its protection of users’ personal information. The settlement bars Myspace from future misrepresentations about its privacy practices, requires the company to implement a comprehensive privacy program, and calls for regular, independent privacy assessments for the […]
FTC Returns More than $2 Million to Buyers of the “Google Money Tree” Work-at-Home Scam
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing 93,086 refund checks totaling nearly $2.3 million to consumers who allegedly were charged hidden fees tied to a bogus work-at-home product. In July 2009, the FTC took action against the online marketers behind “Google Money Tree,” which also operated under names including “Google Pro” and “Google Treasure Chest,” alleging […]
Subsidiary of Diet Plan Marketer Medifast Inc. to Pay $3.7 Million to Settle FTC Charges
A subsidiary of diet plan marketer Medifast Inc. will pay a $3.7 million civil penalty to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated a previous agency order by making unsupported claims about its weight-loss program. Medifast unit Jason Pharmaceuticals, Inc. has agreed to settle FTC charges that weight-loss claims in the company’s advertisements for […]
FTC Takes Action Against Companies Marketing Allegedly Unproven Natural Bed Bug and Head Lice Treatments
The Federal Trade Commission filed deceptive advertising charges against two marketers of remedies for bed bug infestations, who allegedly failed to back up overhyped claims that they could prevent and eliminate infestations using natural ingredients, such as cinnamon and cedar oil. One marketer also allegedly made misleading claims that its products were effective against head […]
FTC Staff: West Virginia Should Consider Expanding Advance Practice Registered Nurses’ Role in Patient Care
Federal Trade Commission staff, in response to a request from West Virginia State Senator Daniel Foster, provided testimony to a state legislative panel stating that making it simpler for Advanced Practice Registered Nurses (APRNs) to prescribe medications could benefit West Virginia health care consumers by expanding choice for patients, containing costs, and improving access to […]
FTC Proposes Changes to its Fur Labeling Rules
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking public comment on changes the agency is proposing that would eliminate unnecessary requirements on companies that sell fur products to give them more flexibility on labeling, and update the Fur Products Name Guide that lists common animal names allowed on fur labels. The proposed changes also would incorporate provisions […]
FTC Publishes Guide to Help Mobile App Developers Observe Truth-in-Advertising, Privacy Principles
The Federal Trade Commission has published a guide to help mobile application developers observe truth-in-advertising and basic privacy principles when marketing new mobile apps. The FTC’s new publication, “Marketing Your Mobile App: Get It Right from the Start,” notes that there are general guidelines that all app developers should consider. They include: Tell the Truth […]
FTC Approves Final Order Settling Charges that Novartis AG’s Proposed Acquisition of Fougera Holdings, Inc. was Anticompetitive
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Novartis AG’s proposed acquisition of Fougera Holdings, Inc. was anticompetitive in the markets for the marketing rights to four topical skin care medications. The final order resolving the charges preserves competition in the markets by requiring Novartis, a […]
FTC Sends Refunds to Victims of Robocall Credit Card Interest Rate Reduction Scheme
The Federal Trade Commission is mailing refund checks to 4,468 consumers nationwide who allegedly were defrauded by a telemarketer who used robocalls to pitch worthless credit card rate reduction programs for an up-front fee. Each consumer will receive a check for between $31 and $1,300, based on how much money he or she lost in […]