LabMD litigation against FTC lingers
Although the Federal Trade Commission won its effort to quash a lawsuit over its probe of LabMD, the now-defunct medical laboratory is still trying to sue three agency employees.
The pushback on convenience, resort and junk fees
Unexpected, surreptitious fees in retail transactions — additions like “convenience fees” and “resort fees” — have proliferated wildly over the past 30 years. When they aren’t clearly disclosed at the start of a transaction, their omission can deceive consumers and distort the purchase decision....
Current Issue: 779
Commission upholds ALJ decision, denies claim for attorney fees
In a unanimous decision, the FTC has rejected an 85-year-old man’s application for attorney fees and costs under the Equal Access to Justice Act (EAJA), saddling him with a hefty legal bill for his...
Accountable Care Organizations: Commissioner Rosch’s antitrust concerns
Could the new Accountable Care Organizations (ACOs) lead to anticompetitive conduct and increase prices for consumers in the healthcare market? Commissioner J. Thomas Rosch thinks so.
Football helmets and concussions: Senator requests FTC investigation
Citing a lack of industry safety standards, Senator Udall (D-N.Mex.) asked the FTC to investigate manufacturers of football helmets for allegedly deceptive marketing practices regarding head injury...
FTC’s 2010 accounting to the Federal Reserve
In a January 26 letter to the Federal Reserve’s Board of Governors, the FTC briefly discussed the Dodd-Frank Act (DFA) and presented an overview of its 2010 enforcement activities of the financial...
Commissioner Rosch on coordinated effects
To ensure success in litigated cases, Commissioner Rosch has suggested that the agency should allege both unilateral and coordinated anticompetitive effects of prospective deals.
Mortgage advance fee ban takes effect
The FTC has finalized a Rule that prohibits mortgage assistance relief companies from charging homeowners up-front fees.