Every year the FTC brings hundreds of cases against individuals and companies for violating consumer protection and competition laws that the agency enforces. These cases can involve fraud, scams, identity theft, false advertising, privacy violations, anti-competitive behavior and more. The Legal Library has detailed information about cases we have brought in federal court or through our internal administrative process, called an adjudicative proceeding.
Gennex Media, In the Matter of
Gennex Media LLC, which sells customizable promotional products such as wristbands, lanyards, temporary tattoos, and buttons, and its owner, Akil Kurji, will settle FTC charges that they made false, misleading, or unsupported advertising claims that their “Brandnex” products were all or virtually all made in the United States. The complaint alleges Gennex and Kurji violated the FTC Act by claiming on their Brandnex website that the products they sell are made in the United States, when in numerous instances the products are wholly imported from China. Under the proposed settlement, Gennex and Kurji are prohibited from making the deceptive claims alleged in the complaint and are required to pay a monetary judgment of $146,249.24. On April 14, 2021, the Commission announced the final consent agreement in this matter.
Chemence, Inc.
The Federal Trade Commission filed suit against cyanoacrylate glue maker Chemence, Inc., and company president James Cooke, for supplying pre-labeled and pre-packaged glues with deceptive “Made in USA” claims to trade customers to use in marketing the strong, fast-acting glues under retailer brand names. The FTC’s complaint alleges that Chemence and Cooke supplied glues in packages labeled with deceptive unqualified “Made in USA” claims, some with an image of the American flag, for products such as Master Super Glue, JB WELD SuperWeld, Stick Fast Instant CA Adhesive, Pink Gel Nail Glue, SAATI Ultrafix CA – MV, and Kiss Maximum Speed Nail Glue. The proposed settlement requires Chemence and Cooke to pay $1.2 million to the FTC, the highest monetary judgment ever for a Made in USA case. On Feb. 12, 2021, the Commission announced the final consent agreement in this matter.