The FTC’s Proposed Rule Banning Deceptive Reviews and Testimonials
Negative Online Reviews and Reputation Management: Tips for Health Care Practices and Providers
PODCAST: Williams Mullen's Trending Now: An IP Podcast - Advertising & Customer Engagement in the Digital Age - Customer Reviews and Response
How to Find the Identity of an Anonymous Author Online
II-36- Holiday Party Tips, the 2018/2019 Federal Regulatory Agenda, and Noteworthy Cases On Suing and Being Sued
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently finalized its Rule on the Use of Consumer Reviews and Testimonials (Rule) to combat fake reviews and testimonials. The finalized Rule comes after the FTC reviewed 100 public...more
The FTC and a bipartisan group of six AGs have secured a proposed order banning the rental listing platform Roomster and its owners (collectively “Roomster”), from buying or incentivizing reviews....more
On June 30, 2023, the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) announced that it would be publishing a notice of proposed rulemaking on the use of consumer reviews and testimonials. The proposed rule follows FTC’s November 2022...more
The comment period on the FTC’s proposed rule regarding the use of endorsements and testimonials in advertising ended September 26, 2022. The Request for Comment approved by the Federal Trade Commission in May 2022 sought...more
Last week the Federal Trade Commission and six states sued rental listing platform Roomster, Corp. along with its owners for allegedly charging consumers for access to phony listings bolstered by fake reviews it had...more
On March 21, 2022, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a final administrative complaint and decision and order that finalizes a settlement with a California online fashion retailer to settle allegations that the...more
In a move that could prove beneficial for both brands and consumers alike, Amazon recently filed a lawsuit against two fake-review brokers, AppSally and Rebatest. These companies connect consumers with third-party sellers to...more
The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has fined online fashion retailer Fashion Nova $4.2 million to settle allegations that the company blocked negative reviews of its products from being posted on its website. The FTC said...more
The FTC reached a settlement with online fashion retailer Fashion Nova, LLC to resolve allegations that it blocked negative reviews from being posted on its website in violation of the FTC Act...more
In April 2020, when we were all focused on finding masks and hand sanitizer, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a $9.3 million settlement with Fashion Nova. The agency alleged that the company violated the Mail...more
Earlier this month, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced that it is now using its Penalty Offense Authority to remind companies not to use fake online reviews or other deceptive endorsements and that stiff penalties...more
The Notice was sent within a week of another notice to 70 for-profit higher education institutions, which focused on “false promises they make about graduates’ job and earnings prospects and other outcomes.”...more
Shoppers in online marketplaces, or customers checking reviews before dining or retaining a service, have become increasingly reliant on internet testimonials. Mark P. of Hoboken, NJ rates Hank’s Burger Depot 5 out of 5...more
Prompted by the proliferation of social media advertising that often blurs the line between authentic content and sponsored posts, the Federal Trade Commission last week sent more than 700 companies a Notice of Penalty...more
Yesterday, the Federal Trade Commission issued a press release suggesting that the agency will be cracking down on allegedly deceptive practices in social media and online reviews, scrutinizing in particular reviewers who...more
Deceptive rankings and fake reviews triggered a Federal Trade Commission (FTC) action for a comparison shopping website—and a warning to other companies. Delaware-based LendEDU operates a website that compares consumer...more
Until recently, Texas skincare company Sunday Riley was one of the shining stars of the lucrative cosmetics market – its products were featured at high-end retailers such as Sephora and Nordstrom, high-profile influencers and...more
Sunday Riley launched her skincare firm Sunday Riley Modern Skincare, LLC (“SRMS”) in 2009 and its skincare products, including Good Genes, Power Couple, U.F.O., C.E.O., Luna and Tidal, have enjoyed tremendous success, having...more
In this day of online consumerism, the success of a product can change drastically with a simple addition, or subtraction, of a “star.” In October of 2018, a whistleblower shed light on the drastic measure one particular...more
Seyfarth Synopsis: FTC publishes proposed consent order with cosmetic company that posted fake customer reviews but some FTC commissioners place doubt on its effectiveness because there is no financial penalty....more
In an increasing trend, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) joined other federal regulators seeking to hold individuals – not just companies – liable in enforcement proceedings. The most recent target was San Francisco-based...more
Consumers often seek online reviews of a business on platforms such as Yelp, CitySearch, Yahoo and Google Plus Pages before purchasing products or services. This includes patients seeking online reviews of a physician or...more