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Starting a Business

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Advertising & Marketing Law

Marketing and advertising your products or services effectively is key to the success of your business. However, all businesses have a legal responsibility to ensure that any advertising claims are truthful, not deceptive and that your marketing activities don’t break the law.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) oversees and regulates advertising and marketing law in the United States. These laws can potentially impact many areas of your business, including how you label your products, how you conduct email and telemarketing campaigns, any health and environmental claims you may make, as well as how you advertise to children. 

Below you will find links to useful FTC resources and guides that can help you understand these laws and how they apply to your business.

  • Truth in Advertising and Marketing Claims – Refer to this guide to learn how you can ensure your promotion activities are truthful and not deceptive.  Areas covered include using endorsements in your marketing, advertising to children, “Made in the USA” labels and health and environmental claims.
  • Industry Guides – The FTC has some rules and compliance guides for specific industries including franchises, real estate, clothing manufacturers, and others. Check out this guide for information on laws that could affect your industry or business type.
  • Telemarketing – Learn how the National Do Not Call Registry and other laws impact your telemarketing efforts and how to comply.
  • Email SPAM – Planning an email campaign? The law is very specific on what email you can send and to whom. Learn more in this guide.
  • Advertising Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) – Answers to small business owner FAQ’s about marketing and advertising law.