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The Enduring Primacy of Retail Sales in an MLM Context

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…

Multi-level Marketing: The Long and Short of It

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Multi-level Marketing: The Long and Short of It

The financial appeal of multi-level marketing companies attracts investors and swindlers alike.

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.

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.

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…

5 Reasons Herbalife’s Survey Won’t Save It from Prosecution

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5 Reasons Herbalife’s Survey Won’t Save It from Prosecution

Deconstructing Herbalife’s defense that a survey found most people join for discounts.

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

Former FTC Economist’s Response & Thoughts on Vemma

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Former FTC Economist’s Response & Thoughts on Vemma

Getting to the bottom of affiliate vs. customer.

Former FTC Economist Calls for Federal Pyramid Scheme Rule

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Former FTC Economist Calls for Federal Pyramid Scheme Rule

FTC case-by-case prosecution of pyramid schemes not enough to deter them.

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.

Fight to the Death

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Fight to the Death

Why the FTC has not pursued Herbalife.

What You Should Know about the FTC’s Action against Vemma

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What You Should Know about the FTC’s Action against Vemma

Having combed through the 200-plus pages that the FTC filed against Vemma Nutrition Company, Vemma International Holdings, Inc., Benson K. (B.K.) Boreyko, Tom Alkazin and his wife Bethany (defendants) in…

Do MLM Earnings Statements Constitute Deceptive Advertising?