The Federal Trade Commission and the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division seek public comment on a proposed update of the Antitrust Guidelines for the Licensing of Intellectual Property, also known as the IP Licensing Guidelines. The IP Licensing Guidelines, which state the agencies’ antitrust enforcement policy with respect to the licensing of intellectual property protected […]
Monthly Archives: August 2016
FTC and USDA to Host Roundtable in Washington, D.C. on October 20, 2016, to Examine Consumer Perceptions of “Organic” Claims for Non-Agricultural Products
The Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) will co-host a roundtable in Washington, D.C. on October 20, 2016, to help the agencies better understand how consumers perceive “organic” claims for non-agricultural products, such as personal care products. At the roundtable, invited panelists, including consumer advocates, industry representatives, and academics, will discuss […]
Investment Trust to Pay $480,000 to Settle FTC Charges It Violated U.S. Premerger Notification Requirements
Investment trust Caledonia Investments plc has agreed to pay $480,000 in civil penalties to resolve Federal Trade Commission allegations that it violated federal premerger reporting laws by failing to report its purchase in 2014 of voting shares in the helicopter services company Bristow Group, Inc. According to the complaint, in June 2008, Caledonia first acquired […]
FTC to VW Sellers: Don’t Mislead Consumers about Buyback Deal
Many owners of 2.0 liter Volkswagen diesels will soon be able to sell their cars back to Volkswagen AG for more than their current replacement value as a result of a proposed $10.03 billion deceptive advertising settlement with the Federal Trade Commission. The FTC wants to make sure consumers and businesses know the facts surrounding […]
FTC Seeks Applicants for Independent Compliance Auditor to Assess Herbalife’s Compliance with Court Order
The Federal Trade Commission is seeking applications for an Independent Compliance Auditor (ICA) to assess and report on Herbalife’s compliance with and implementation of a judicially-enforceable stipulated order for permanent injunction and monetary judgment. The order provides for an ICA to assess and report on implementation of reforms in the following general areas of Herbalife’s […]
FTC Consent Order Protects Competition in Ductile Iron Pipe Industry
Fortiline, LLC, a company that distributes ductile iron pipe, fittings and accessories throughout much of the United States, has agreed to settle Federal Trade Commission charges that it violated federal antitrust law by inviting a competitor to raise and fix prices. This is the first case where the FTC has challenged an invitation to collude […]
FTC Sues 1-800 Contacts, Charging that It Harms Competition in Online Search Advertising Auctions and Restricts Truthful Advertising to Consumers
The Federal Trade Commission has sued 1-800 Contacts, the largest online retailer of contact lenses in the United States, alleging that it unlawfully orchestrated and now maintains a web of anticompetitive agreements with rival online contact lens sellers that suppress competition in certain online search advertising auctions and that restrict truthful and non-misleading internet advertising […]
FTC Extends Comment Period for Public Input On Proposed Changes to the Fuel Economy Guide
The Federal Trade Commission has extended the deadline for submitting public comments on proposed changes to the Fuel Economy Guide. Adopted in 1975, the Guide (formally, the “Guide Concerning Fuel Economy Advertising for New Automobiles”), helps advertisers avoid making unfair and deceptive claims. On May 27, 2016, the FTC sought public comments on proposed changes […]
FTC Sends Warning Letters to Online Sellers Making Zika Virus-Protection Claims
Federal Trade Commission staff has sent 10 warning letters to online marketers selling products that purportedly provide protection from the Zika virus. It appears that some online marketers may be trying to take advantage of consumer concerns about the mosquito-borne virus. The letters warn the recipients that Zika protection claims must be supported by competent […]
FTC Staff Comment: Delaware Occupational Therapy Board Proposal to Expand Access to Telehealth Services Could Benefit Consumers
Federal Trade Commission staff submitted a comment to the Delaware Board of Occupational Therapy Practice on its proposed regulation that would likely facilitate the provision of occupational therapy services to Delaware consumers. The proposed regulation would allow licensed occupational therapists (OT) to determine whether telehealth is an appropriate level of care for a patient, and […]