CFPB rule on arbitration clauses, getting real about VR, and more in this issue of Advertising Law News & Analysis

CFPB Rule Drops Hammer on Arbitration Clauses

On July 10, the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) issued its "Arbitration Agreements Rule." The final rule prohibits financial products "providers" from relying on pre-dispute arbitration clauses in consumer contracts to prevent consumers from bringing class actions in court, and imposes a number of other requirements on "providers," write Venable attorneys Allyson Baker, Jonathan Pompan, Andrew Hernacki, and Jennifer Talbert in a recent blog post.

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Po Yi Gets Real about VR's Legal Issues

Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are currently two of the hottest topics in marketing technology. From mobile apps that overlay a digital experience on the real world to in-store VR-based educational tools, brands are exploring and pushing the boundaries of these immersive technologies. In a recent Marketing Dive article, Venable partner Po Yi discusses some of the legal issues – from data privacy to motion sickness – that brands and VR/AR providers should consider when developing these tools.

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Industry Innovators Discuss Future of AR, VR

Venable attorney Kimberly Culp moderated the panel "AR/VR: where we're at and how we're building the future" at the recent TiEcon 2017 Silicon Valley conference. The panel, which included leaders from Pixelbug, Nod Labs, and Matterport, discussed the different ways companies are using AR and VR currently and where the technologies will be more widely used in the future. Follow the link below to watch a video of the panel.

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Finding the Line Between Disclosure and Deception

Recognizing content as advertising was never a difficult issue when advertising was delivered via billboards, print ads, and broadcast commercial breaks, writes Venable partner Amy Mudge in the summer 2017 issue of Antitrust magazine. Although the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has made great strides in addressing disclosures in social media and other forms of nontraditional advertising, Mudge writes, the time is ripe for additional guidance and greater harmonization of the general guidance for endorsements and the specific guidance for native advertising.

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From the Tool Kit

Advertisers looking to rise above marketplace clutter by integrating brand and marketing messages into quality digital content often wrestle with how and when to disclose their sponsorship of so-called native advertising. In the most recent edition of the firm's Advertising Law Tool Kit, Venable partners Amy Mudge and Randy Shaheen outline the factors brands should consider to mitigate legal, regulatory, and reputational risk.

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ACA International 2017 Convention and Expo

July 17, 2017 | Seattle, WA

Venable attorneys Jonathan Pompan and Alexandra Megaris will join an interactive panel discussion, "Regulatory Compliance in an Evolving Legal Landscape," where they will share approaches to compliance and practical answers to questions. Hear from a chief compliance officer and attorneys who advise on an array of debt collection compliance matters and defend against federal and state enforcement investigations.

NBJ Summit

July 17-20, 2017 | Rancho Palos Verdes, CA

The Nutrition Business Journal (NBJ) Summit attracts over 300 of the nutrition industry's brightest minds and most influential power brokers for unparalleled education, strategic thinking, and discussion on the progress, opportunities, and challenges facing the industry. Venable will sponsor the welcome dinner at this year's NBJ Summit on July 18, 2017 from 7:30 pm to 10:30 pm PT.

2017 Compliance University

July 26, 2017 | Washington, D.C.

Compliance University is held each year in Washington, DC. This year's event will be held on July 25-26, 2017. Join us for the Online Lenders Alliance's annual event for compliance officers and heads of companies who need to safeguard their operations with compliance programs. Each attendee receives a certificate upon completion of the program. Venable attorneys Jonathan L. Pompan and Katherine M. Lamberth will present a session on the "Elements of a Successful Compliance Management System and Vendor Management Rules of the Road," on July 26, 2017 from 10:15 am to 11:00 am ET.

2017 RMA Executive Summit

August 1, 2017 | Lake Tahoe, CA

The Executive Summit is an exclusive event for owners and top managers in the ARM industry. This intimate gathering of 125 professionals provides attendees with the opportunity to network with other executives, have conversations with policymakers, and receive education on executive-level operations. Venable attorneys Jonathan L. Pompan and Alexandra Megaris will both join panel discussions on "Compliance Catch 22: Thriving in an Evolving Regulatory Environment" and "Adapting to Change: A General Counsel's Perspective."