2. Federal Trade Commission Act
In 1914,FTC Act was passed.
Primary Responsibility- Regualtion of
advertising.
In beginning, FTC Act was more concerned
about competition in commerce.
As deceptive advt. has negative impact on
commerce, it focused more on Advertising.
3. What is Deceptive Advertising?
Deception exists when an advertisement is introduced
into the perceptual process of some audience and the
output of that perceptual process.
1.Differs from the reality of the situation
2.Affects buying behavior to the detriment of
consumer.
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7. Deceptive- A Definition
As per FTCA, Deception is found if:
1.There is misrepresentation, omission, or practice likely
to be mislead.
2.The consumer is acting responsibly(or reasonably) in
the circumstances.
3.The practice is material and consumer injury is possible
because consumers are likely to have chosen differently if
there was no deception.
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12. Misrepresentation or Omission
13 Ways in which misrepresentations can occur:
1.Suggesting that a small difference is important.
-- Lowest level of tar & nicotine
2.Artificial product demonstrations.
--Artificial product to show superiority over others.
3.Using an unambiguous or easily confused phrase.
--Fights Decay shows complete protection, hence deceptive.
4.Implying a benefit that does not fully or partially exist.
--GE Case. Low cost bulb produce high wattage light.
5.Implying that a product benefit is unique to a brand.
6.Implying that a benefit is needed or that a product will fulfill a benefit when it will
not.
13. Misrepresentation or Omission
5.Implying that a product benefit is unique to a brand.
--Low Alcohol Beer.
6.Implying that a benefit is needed or that a product will fulfill a benefit when it will
not.
--Environmental friendly products cannot show the benefit unless it can prove
7.Incorrectly implying that an endorser uses and advocates the brand.
--P&G had claimed that Washing Machine co.’s distributed P&G Detergents to
endorse the,. However ,P&G had paid companies to distribute
8.Omitting a needed qualification.
--Possible unsafe aspects of using plastic toys.
14. Misrepresentation or Omission
9.Making a claim without substantiation.
--Claims on safety, performance,quality-when such claims rely on by a consumer
who lacks ability or knowledge.
10.Bait and switch.
--Govt. auction of automobiles, by dialing 900-900. Calling charge Rs.2. After you
call,they say Call on 800-800. Thus,charging wrongly.
11.Identifying the advertising.
12.Telemarketing.
13.Intellectual property.
15. PUFFERY
Puffing takes two general forms:
i. Subjective Statement.
Eg.: ‘Best or greatest’
ii.Exaggeration
Eg.: TVS Sky Shop Advt.
18. Determining Deception using
Advertising Research
We consider
1.The type of claim
2.The type of product
3.The benefits of a truthful claim.
4.The consequences of a false claim.
5.The cost of developing substantiation.
6.The amount of substantiation experts in the field believe is
reasonable.
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20. Remedies
Cease & Desist orders
Prohibits the respondent from engaging further in the deceptive
practice.
Restitution
Consumer is compensated for any damange.
Affirmative Disclosures
If something is omitted, ‘a clear & affirmative’ disclosure should
be made.(Health & Safety issues)
Corrective Advertising
Advertisers to rectify past mistakes by making suitable
statements in future commercials.
21. Reebok- Suffers..!!
Sportswear giant Reebok has been
ordered by the US Federal Trade
Commission to pay out $25 million.
For “deceptively advertising” that a
line of running shoes would tone the
wearer’s buttock muscles.
The settlement also prohibits Reebok
from making “unsupported claims”
that its ‘toning shoes’ strengthen or
tone muscles.
23. Competitor Lawsuits
Firms charge that false advertising company, that has
caused them damage.
General verdicts are:
To stop the offending practice.
Pay Compensation.