Consumer Protection Law and Regulations

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.

Colorado Attorney General Philip Weiser has filed a lawsuit against EarnIn, challenging whether its direct-to-consumer earned wage access product constitutes a high-cost loan subject to state lending laws. The case examines EarnIn's Cash Out product, which advanced approximately $300 million to Colorado consumers between January 2023 and July 2025, and questions whether the company's tips and expedited-transfer fees should be classified as interest charges.

Colorado's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against an earned wage access provider, alleging its cash advance product violates state payday lending and consumer credit laws. The case centers on whether the provider's direct-to-consumer advances constitute high-cost loans subject to licensing requirements and rate limitations, with the state claiming an average APR of approximately 388% through tips and fees. This enforcement action underscores the ongoing regulatory debate over how EWA products should b

Colorado's Attorney General has filed a lawsuit against a fintech company offering earned wage access products, claiming the service operates as an unlicensed high-cost lending program. The complaint alleges violations of state consumer credit laws and deceptive practices related to mandatory "tips" that function as finance charges. State regulators are seeking injunctive relief, restitution, and civil penalties.

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.

A New Jersey District Court decision demonstrates how carefully drafted sale orders and proper notice procedures in bankruptcy asset sales can effectively shield buyers from legacy product liability claims. The case examines the critical interplay between asset purchase agreements, court-approved sale orders, and constitutional notice requirements in determining whether pre-closing liabilities follow purchased assets or remain with the seller.

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 Federal Trade Commission takes decisive action on multiple fronts, from scrutinizing healthcare mergers in Ohio to extending comment periods on personalized pricing policies. Meanwhile, a major payment processor faces millions in penalties for allegedly facilitating merchant fraud and deceptive telemarketing schemes.