Federal Trade Commission Announces Increased Fines

On June 29, 2016, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced significant increases in the maximum civil penalties for violations of 16 provisions of law it enforces, including the FTC Act and Clayton Act.

Effective August 1, maximum civil penalties will increase from $16,000 to $40,000 (per day in violation) for the following violations, among others listed in the Federal Register notice¹:

• Premerger filing notification violations under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Antitrust Improvements Act (section 7A(g)(1) of the Clayton Act)
• Unfair or deceptive acts or practices under section 5(m)(1)(A) and (B) of the FTC Act
• Violations of final Commission orders under section 5(l) of the FTC Act