FTC's Snack Service Settlement Reminds DTC Companies Not to Incentivize Reviews
Positive online reviews have become essential for any business marketing goods or services over the internet, especially for trendy services like food delivery and custom health product sales. But the FTC's newly announced settlement with startup healthy snack service UrthBox reminds marketers that online praise must be freely given, not bought—even if the compensation offered isn't monetary.
Fraudsters and Facilitators, Privacy and Penalties, Shire and Selection: The FTC's Plans for Consumer Protection
Winding down the 67th Antitrust Law Spring Meeting last week, Andrew Smith, the Director of the FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection, provided an overview of the FTC's consumer protection priorities. Director Smith reiterated that Chairman Simons' focus on law enforcement applies across the Bureau's five major areas: marketing, finance, advertising, privacy, and enforcement. In deciding who to sue, the FTC plans to look beyond just alleged "fraudsters and scammers," and will also focus enforcement on the individuals who promote frauds.
Advertising Practice Members Promoted to Partner
Venable is pleased to announce that Stephen Freeland and Alexandra Megaris have been promoted to partner. Steve and Alex have helped build Venable's Advertising and Marketing Group. Along the way each has developed substantial experience and practices representing clients in complex litigation challenges that businesses face in the areas of advertising, consumer protection, and more in both business-to-business disputes and consumer class actions.