FTC Proposes Changes to its Rules of Practice | Practical Law

FTC Proposes Changes to its Rules of Practice | Practical Law

On January 13, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced proposed changes to its Rules of Practice intended to expedite investigations and to clarify the FTC's procedures for evaluating allegations of misconduct by attorneys practicing before the FTC.

FTC Proposes Changes to its Rules of Practice

Practical Law Legal Update 9-517-2850 (Approx. 2 pages)

FTC Proposes Changes to its Rules of Practice

by PLC Intellectual Property & Technology
Published on 17 Jan 2012 • USA (National/Federal)
On January 13, 2012, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) announced proposed changes to its Rules of Practice intended to expedite investigations and to clarify the FTC's procedures for evaluating allegations of misconduct by attorneys practicing before the FTC.
On January 13, 2012, the FTC announced proposed changes to Parts 2 and 4 of its Rules of Practice.
The proposed changes to Part 2 (Nonadjudicative Procedures) are designed to expedite FTC investigations by, among other things:
  • Ensuring that the FTC's investigatory processes keep pace with electronic discovery.
  • Simplifying the process for resolving disputes over FTC subpoenas and civil investigative demands.
  • Relieving parties of their obligations to preserve documents related to an FTC investigation once a year or more passes with no written communication from the FTC.
The proposed changes to Part 4 (Miscellaneous Rules) clarify the FTC's procedures for evaluating allegations of misconduct by attorneys practicing before the FTC. The FTC is accepting public comments on the proposed changes through March 23, 2012.