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TINA.org’s Year in Review 2019

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TINA.org’s Year in Review 2019

It was another successful year outing deceptive marketing on multiple fronts.

The Direct Selling Association on Pyramid Schemes: Truth and Truthiness

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The Direct Selling Association on Pyramid Schemes: Truth and Truthiness

Guest blog by Peter Vander Nat and William Keep.

MLM Income Disclosures: When Average Does Not Equal Typical

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MLM Income Disclosures: When Average Does Not Equal Typical

Pyramid scheme experts explain how MLM income disclosures can be deceptive.

H.R. 3409: Protecting Pyramid Schemes, not Consumers

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H.R. 3409: Protecting Pyramid Schemes, not Consumers

Former FTC economist outlines issues with new “anti-pyramid” bill.

The Fundamental Takeaway from FTC v Vemma

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The Fundamental Takeaway from FTC v Vemma

Vemma settlement clarifies FTC’s position on what constitutes a legitimate MLM.

FTC Chairwoman Creates Framework for MLM Regulatory Environment

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FTC Chairwoman Creates Framework for MLM Regulatory Environment

FTC Seeking to Clean up the MLM Industry

Why This Anti-Pyramid Scheme Bill is Outrageously Wrong for Consumers

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Why This Anti-Pyramid Scheme Bill is Outrageously Wrong for Consumers

POST HIGHLIGHTS • H.R. 5230 runs directly counter to 40 years of case law on pyramid schemes. • It obliterates the difference between distributor purchases for the business venture versus…

The Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

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The Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

POST HIGHLIGHTS • Meaning of Amway rules (1979), especially the “70% rule” and subsequent deterioration • Koscot (1975), Omnitrition (1996), and BurnLounge (2014) provide seminal rulings on the determination of…

Vemma’s Version: Business Foolishness in the Extreme

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Vemma’s Version: Business Foolishness in the Extreme

Upon reading the transcript of the Sept. 15 court hearing re Vemma, which conveys the most unusual meanings that Vemma attributes to such common terms as customer, business opportunity, and…

Former FTC Economist’s Response & Thoughts on Vemma