Breaking Down 'Clean At Sephora' Ruling

On August 31, the Massachusetts AG filed a filed a proposed consent judgment in Suffolk County Superior Court to resolve allegations that a debt buyer, affiliated entities, and their operator violated the Massachusetts Consumer Protection Act through unfair and deceptive debt collection practices.

If you’re a dealer, an ad agency handling automotive accounts, or in-house counsel advising automotive clients, the Commission’s latest guidance on auto pricing transparency deserves a careful read. The guidance echoes familiar principles we’ve heard in other areas from federal and state regulators related to the expectation for all-in pricing, with important nuances unique to the auto industry.

Following the holiday weekend, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced a proposed settlement with Humboldt Merchant Services requiring the payment processor to pay $12 million...

The Federal Trade Commission has issued comprehensive FAQs reinforcing that automobile dealers must advertise the actual, all-in price consumers will pay, excluding only government-mandated charges. Following warning letters to 97 dealership groups nationwide, the guidance addresses advertising practices across all media platforms and clarifies requirements for document fees, rebates, inventory disclosures, and shared compliance responsibility among dealers, advertisers, and manufacturers.

The Federal Trade Commission has reached a $2.1 million settlement with online bill payment platform Doxo and two of its co-founders over allegations of deceptive advertising practices and undisclosed fees. The settlement includes comprehensive injunctive relief governing the company's advertising, fee disclosures, and consumer enrollment practices.

The FTC's Bureau of Consumer Protection has launched a new program allowing businesses and stakeholders to identify ambiguities, conflicts, and problems with FTC rules. The Bureau may issue public guidance in response to submissions, though participation carries both opportunities and potential risks for companies.

The Federal Trade Commission's Bureau of Consumer Protection has launched a new program allowing businesses and stakeholders to formally identify ambiguities, conflicts, and problems within FTC consumer protection rules. This mechanism provides an unprecedented opportunity for regulated entities to challenge regulatory provisions that may be unclear, outdated, or inconsistent with other legal requirements.

The Federal Trade Commission has reached a proposed $12 million settlement with Humboldt Merchant Services based on allegations that it processed payments for merchants that were shell companies or engaged in fraud. This enforcement action highlights the FTC's scrutiny of payment processors and their obligations to identify and prevent fraudulent merchant activity.

Alcohol beverage companies face a complex regulatory environment as states enact new legislation, federal agencies propose changes to ingredient and formulation requirements, and hemp-derived THC products generate ongoing legal scrutiny. Recent developments include FDA proposals affecting GRAS notifications and color additives, state-level actions on distribution and sales restrictions, and evolving trademark disputes that may impact product development and compliance strategies.

Federal legislation has pushed back the scheduled ban on hemp-derived THC products from November 12 to December 11, 2026, providing a temporary reprieve for an industry employing 350,000 people nationwide. However, this one-month extension offers no permanent resolution, and stakeholders face mounting pressure as multiple state-level restrictions continue to take effect independently of federal timelines.