FTC Approves Modifications to Video Game Industry Self-Regulatory COPPA Safe Harbor Program

The Federal Trade Commission approved changes to a video game industry self-regulatory program aimed at ensuring compliance with the Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) Rule. The Entertainment Software Ratings Board (ESRB) applied for approval of proposed modifications to its COPPA safe harbor program. The FTC’s COPPA Rule requires, among other things, that operators of […]

Investor Alert: Self-Directed IRAs and the Risk of Fraud

The SEC’s Office of Investor Education and Advocacy is issuing this Investor Alert to warn investors of risks associated with self-directed Individual Retirement Accounts (self-directed IRAs).  Self-directed IRAs allow investment in a broader—and potentially riskier—portfolio of assets than other types of IRAs.  While a broader set of investment options may have appeal, investors should be […]

FTC and State of Minnesota Halt Sellers Playbook’s Get Rich Scheme

The Federal Trade Commission and the State of Minnesota have charged Minnesota-based Sellers Playbook with running a large business opportunity scheme. A federal court temporarily halted the operation pending resolution of the case. The FTC and the Minnesota Attorney General’s Office allege that Sellers Playbook lured consumers into buying its expensive “system” by claiming that […]

FTC Approves Final Order Imposing Conditions on Construction Company CRH plc

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved a final order settling charges that Dublin, Ireland-based construction company CRH plc’s $3.5 billion acquisition of its Kansas-based competitor Ash Grove Cement Company likely would be anticompetitive. According to the complaint, which was first announced in June 2018, the acquisition likely would harm current competition […]

FTC Requires Grifols S.A. to Divest Assets as Condition of Acquiring Biotest US Corporation

The Federal Trade Commission will require Spain-based global healthcare company Grifols S.A. to divest blood plasma collection centers in three U.S. cities, among other conditions, as part of a settlement resolving charges that Grifols’ acquisition of Florida-based Biotest US Corporation is anticompetitive and violates federal antitrust law. The products at issue, competition concerns and economic implications […]

FTC Charges Auto Dealerships in Arizona and New Mexico with Falsifying Consumers’ Information on Financing Documents

The Federal Trade Commission has charged a group of four auto dealers operating in Arizona and New Mexico, near the border of the Navajo Nation, with a range of illegal activities, including falsifying consumers’ income and down payment information on vehicle financing applications and misrepresenting important financial terms in vehicle advertisements. This is the FTC’s […]