For Your Information
FTC Approves Final Orders Requiring Two Professional Associations to Eliminate Rules that Restrict Competition among Their Members
Associations Agree to End Restraints Contained in Codes of Ethics
Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges that the National Association of Residential Property Managers, Inc. (NARPM) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) restrained competition among their respective members through their codes of ethics.
Under the FTC orders, the National Association of Residential Property Managers must stop restraining members from soliciting competitors’ clients or engaging in comparative advertising that is not false or deceptive and the National Association of Teachers of Singing cannot prohibit its members from soliciting students from other members. The NATS order also requires it to obtain a certification from each of its chapters that the chapter is not engaged in any prohibited practices and both associations must implement compliance programs.
The Commission votes approving the final orders were both 5-0. (NARPM: FTC File No 141 0031; the staff contact is Armando Irizarry, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2964; NATS: FTC File No 131 0127; the staff contact is Karen A. Mills, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2052.)
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Contact Information
MEDIA CONTACT:
Betsy Lordan
Office of Public Affairs
202-326-3707