Deceptive trade practices

Some of the states are adopting a Uniform Deceptive Trade Practices Act and a Uniform Trade Secrets Act. As more states adopt a Uniform Trade Secret Act, the laws in the various states tend to become more uniform and predictable. There is a trend towards a more uniform policy and punishment of individuals and organizations that participate in the outright theft of trade secrets. Hopefully this trend will continue. 

These lawsuits and settlements have been joined by more recent allegations of unfair and deceptive trade practices and violations of other codes. Applicators have been found in violation of do-not-call phone advertising restrictions, for example. TruGreen Chemlawn also recently settled with the State of Pennsylvania over allegations that the company added unnecessary surcharges for lawn care services, jacking up prices surreptitiously over time. ... 

In 1998, the Trade Practices Amendment (Country of Origin Representations) Act 1998 came into force. Manufacturers making unqualified statements about country of origin, such as Made in. .. must be able to demonstrate substantial transformation and exceed a 50% production costs threshold. They, therefore, tend to use qualified claims, such as Made in Australia from local and imported ingredients, to ensure that labels are not misleading or deceptive. 

The ACCC administers the Trade Practices Act 1974 (Act). The consumer protection provisions of the Act cover advertising and selling and aim at any commercial conduct that could be misleading, deceptive or untruthful. This includes statements made on labelling and packaging. It is the responsibility of companies to ensure that consumers form an accurate... 

In addition, the Trade Practices Act contains provisions with regard to the advertising of medicinal products. This Act prohibits a company from engaging in misleading and deceptive conduct in the course of trade or commerce and has been widely used to challenge advertisements. 

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) regulates dietary supplement advertising. The FTC prohibits unfair or deceptive acts or practices with the advertisement of dietary supplements from retailers and manufacturers. A pharmacy would be held liable if the pharmacy published a manufacturer s ad that was considered deceptive [26]. 

Codex is an inter-governmental body, which oversees the joint FAO/WHO Food Standards Programme, which sets international standards aimed at facilitating international trade while protecting consumers from deceptive and fraudulent practices. Codex standards are... 

Federal Trade Commission. (FTC). The Federal Trade Commission enforces a variety of federal antitrust and consumer protection laws. The Commission seeks to ensure that the nation s markets function competitively, and are vigorous, efficient, and free of undue restrictions. The Commission also works to enhance the smooth operation of the marketplace by eliminating acts or practices that are unfair or deceptive. It main office is located at 600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20580. Website http //www.ftc.gov. 

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