Federal Trade Commission Act
The Federal Trade Commission Act (FTC Act), passed in 1914, is an anti-trust law.
Description
The FTC Act outlaws "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." The 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 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.