Newsletters

10.21.20

FTC Sends Refunds to Consumers Who Bought Deceptively Marketed ‘Miracle’ Pain Cure for Older Adults

In another case, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is sending checks totaling more than $76,000 to consumers who bought Isoprex, a purported “miracle” pain supplement marketed to older Americans nationwide.

10.14.20

No Discord Here: CARU Determines Social Media Platform Complies With COPPA

On October 6, the Children’s Advertising Review Unit (CARU) announced its finding that Discord, a social media platform that provides text, voice and video communication services via desktop, browser and mobile applications, is not an online service directed to children as defined by the ...

10.07.20

Breaking Down the Opportunities and Risks of Virtual Storefronts

The COVID-19 global pandemic has accelerated the digital transformation of the retail industry as shoppers shift more of their spending online.

09.23.20

NAD Brings New Kind of Dance ‘Challenge’: TikTok Video-Sharing Tools May Create Liability for Brands

While controversy swirls as to whether the social media platform TikTok will be banned from the U.S., a recent National Advertising Division (NAD) case sheds some light on best practices when engaging influencers to create and post content on TikTok.

09.23.20

Split Ninth Circuit Upholds $50M FTC Victory Against Online Publisher

On September 11, 2020, in a 2-1 decision, the U.S. Court of Appeals, Ninth Circuit, upheld the Federal Trade Commission’s (FTC) $50 million victory in its lawsuit alleging that an India-based online publisher, OMICS Group, deceptively advertised the quality of its scientific conferences and ...

09.02.20

The Risks of False Advertising When Raising Capital in the Age of COVID-19

“Fraudsters often seek to use national crises and periods of uncertainty to lure investors into scams. They may play off investors’ hopes and fears, as well as their charity and kindness, and may try to exploit confusion or rumors in the marketplace.”

08.18.20

Game Over: FTC Staff Issues Perspective Paper on Video Game Loot Boxes

Back in August of last year, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) hosted a workshop on video game loot boxes, which, for all you non-gamers, is a video game microtransaction in which an individual playing a video game purchases a reward containing one or more virtual items of differing value or ...

08.11.20

FTC Seeks Comments on Its Proposed Made in USA Rule

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has requested comments on its proposed Made in USA rule, which would codify its Enforcement Policy Statement on U.S. Origin Claims and allow the FTC to seek civil penalties for violations.

08.11.20

FTC Sues Marketer Over False COVID-19 Claims

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has sued a California-based company named Golden Sunrise Nutraceutical, Inc., and some of its officers, alleging that the company is falsely marketing its Emergency D-Virus plan as a treatment for COVID-19.

08.11.20

FTC Sues Online Sellers That Falsely Promised Fast Delivery of Face Masks and Other PPE

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has filed suit against three online marketers for failing to deliver on promises that they could quickly ship products like face masks, hand sanitizer and other personal protective equipment related to the coronavirus pandemic.