New TCPA Rules Take Effect On October 16, 2013

The Telephone Consumer Protection Act of 1991 (TCPA)¹ places certain restrictions on telemarketing calls, text messages, and faxes. It has long been a favorite of the plaintiffs' bar because it provides for statutory damages of $500 to $1500 per violation,² which in the aggregate can lead to substantial windfalls for plaintiffs. TCPA violations (even innocent ones) can place companies at significant risk and TCPA litigation has skyrocketed as a result.³

Last year, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) added fuel to the fire by amending its TCPA rules and further restricting telemarketing calls.⁴ The most significant of those amendments – which narrow and eliminate key statutory exemptions – will take effect tomorrow, on October 16, 2013.