Deceptive Trade Practices Lawyers
The Deceptive Trade Practices lawyers at the international law firm of Shook, Hardy & Bacon L.L.P. (SHB) are part of our Antitrust & Trade Regulation Practice. Lawyers from other practice areas, including torts and antitrust counseling & compliance, also work closely with cases focusing on deceptive trade practices. Lawyers at SHB are the most sought-after legal minds in the industry. We routinely draw on the knowledge of industry experts, research analysts and paraprofessionals in our offices across the country and in Europe to provide our clients with comprehensive and cost-effective solutions to cases involving trade secrets and other deceptive trade practices.
Lawyers at SHB understand that deceptive trade practices statutes do not govern all situations where one party has deceived another party. Most states limit the scope of these statutes to commercial transactions involving a consumer purchasing or leasing goods or services for personal, household or family purposes. As such, our deceptive trade practices lawyers are well-equipped to interpret the terms of the deceptive trade practices statutes, including those describing the applicability of the statutes.
Most state deceptive trade practices statutes include broad restrictions on unfair or deceptive trade practices. These states often include prohibitions against fraudulent and unconscionable practices. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) does not require that the person committing an act of deception have the intent to deceive. Moreover, the FTC does not require that actual deception occur. The FTC merely requires that a party have the capacity to deceive or commit an unfair trade practice.
The FTC and many states prohibit unfair practices, including the following:
- Unfair provisions in contracts of adhesion
- Coercive or high-pressure tactics in sales and collection efforts
- Illegal conduct
- Taking advantage of bargaining power of vulnerable groups
- Taking advantage of emergency situations
- Unconscionable activities, including outrageous and offensive conduct by a business in the sale of goods or services
Because interpretations of these statues can vary, we recommend working with deceptive trade practices lawyers at SHB to ensure your case is handled capably and professionally. Learn more about our history with deceptive trade practices. Lawyers at our firm are available to visit with you today.
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