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.
History
To enforce the Sherman Act, the Roosevelt administration established a Bureau of Corporations under the 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 Clayton Act, under Democratic control of both Congress and the White House.