AdvertisingAge Quotes Manatt Advertising Chair on FTC Director's Stepping Down

"FTC Director Vladeck Stepping Down, Leaving Activist Legacy"
AdvertisingAge

December 17, 2012 - Manatt's Linda Goldstein, chair of the firm's Advertising, Marketing & Media Division, spoke to AdvertisingAge on the legacy that Federal Trade Commission Director David Vladeck will leave when he steps down from his position on December 31, 2012.

As reported by AdvertisingAge, Vladeck led an aggressive approach on privacy, green marketing, health claims and other advertising issues over the past three years as director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection. Industry insiders told the publication that Vladeck revitalized the bureau.

"I think we'll all remember the Vladeck years for sure," said Goldstein. "He created a legacy. He was both feared and greatly respected."

Charles Hardwood, who has been deputy director under Vladeck, will serve as acting director. Experts agreed that there is unlikely to be much change in the FTC's course of action.

The reality is that the FTC has been getting more aggressive on penalties and enforcement for more than a decade, Goldstein said. "I'd be surprised if that ends with David Vladeck leaving," she said.

Read the article here.