Times Article on the Possible Use of Eminent Domain to Deal with Underwater Homes

Here.  The article describes the opposition from the industry to the plan–which includes threats not to make mortgage loans in the future in communities that use eminent domain to seize underwater home–and also discusses what happened in 2002 when the industry made good on such threats in response to a different law: In 2002, the […]

Are genetically modified foods “all natural”?

For several years, consumers have brought suit against manufacturers of processed foods (for example, bottled teas, granola bars, and cereals) advertised as “all natural.” In these lawsuits, the consumer alleges that the all-natural claim is false and misleading because the foods are not in fact “all natural.” Early cases often focused on the use of […]

FTC Takes Aim at Deceptive Ads for Fad Weight-Loss Products

The Federal Trade Commission announced today a law enforcement initiative, called “Operation Failed Resolution,” aimed at stopping marketers that use deceptive advertising claims to sell weight-loss products. At the same time, the FTC announced settlements in cases it brought against four different weight-loss companies. For example, ads Sensa promised that, with their product, consumers could […]

Virginia Appellate Court Rejects Dendrite / Cahill Approach to Online Anonymity

by Paul Alan Levy In a decision issued yesterday morning, the Virginia Court of Appeals parted company with appellate decisions in eleven other states and held that the First Amendment allows a court to compel the identification of a company’s anonymous online critics even though the company has done no more than claim that it […]

CFPB training on mortgage servicing regulation

The CFPB’s mortgage servicing rule will take effect on January 10. That same day, the Bureau will host a training for housing counselors, legal aid attorneys, and other advocates on the new rule. The training, called  “Protecting homeowners: New tools for empowering consumers and advocates,” will be held in Phoenix. You can watch live at […]