= Federal Trade Commission Act = The '''Federal Trade Commission Act''' ('''FTC Act'''), passed in 1914, is an [[UnitedStates/CommerceLaw/AntitrustLaw|anti-trust law]]. <> ---- == Description == The FTC Act outlaws "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." The [[UnitedStates/FederalTradeCommission|FTC]] is established to enforce this act; it specifically is authorized to issue cease and desist orders against businesses that act unfairly. Because the Supreme Court has held that any violation of the [[UnitedStates/CommerceLaw/ShermanAct|Sherman Act]] is also a violation of the FTC Act, the FTC is empowered to bring cases against individuals and businesses on the basis of enforcing either act. ---- == History == To enforce the [[UnitedStates/CommerceLaw/ShermanAct|Sherman Act]], the [[UnitedStates/TheodoreRoosevelt|Roosevelt]] administration established a '''Bureau of Corporations''' under the [[UnitedStates/DepartmentOfCommerce|U.S. Department of Commerce and Labor]] to investigate violations. The FTC was a formalization and expansion of this bureau. This act was passed and signed into law alongside the [[UnitedStates/CommerceLaw/ClaytonAct|Clayton Act]], under Democratic control of both Congress and the White House. ---- CategoryRicottone