FTC Continues with Actions Against Deceptive Ad Practices

As part of these actions, the FTC reached settlements with sellers of American flags and flagpole display kits, entertainment systems for home and commercial use, and footwear products, resolving allegations in separate federal court complaints that these sellers violated the law by making unqualified and unsubstantiated “Made in USA” claims.

“The FTC is committed to ensuring that ‘Made in the USA’ claims are truthful and trustworthy,” said Christopher Mufarrige, Director of the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection. “We will robustly enforce the ‘Made in the USA’ standard so that the American people have confidence that their purchases of American-made products support American workers and manufacturing.”

The three enforcement actions continue the Commission’s work to protect American consumers from deceptive “Made in USA” advertising and labeling claims, while providing consumers with confidence that their purchases of American-made products actually support American workers, manufacturing, and communities. These enforcement actions also ensure that American businesses, who have made the necessary investments in domestic manufacturing, are not disadvantaged and that there is fair competition for those sellers who truthfully advertise their products as “Made in the USA.”

The FTC’s actions covered the following companies:

• TouchTunes: The FTC sued TouchTunes Music Company, LLC (TouchTunes), alleging in a complaint that the company falsely claimed its electronic dartboards sold for both residential and commercial use were “Made in the USA.”

• Americana Liberty and Related Parties: As a follow-on to a July 8, 2025, warning letter issued by FTC staff, the FTC brought an enforcement action against Americana Liberty LLC and Three Nations LLC, as well as the companies’ principals—Maximiliano Ojeda, Virginia Hilfiger, and Julian Groves—alleging that they falsely advertised and labeled patriotic flag display and related products as “Made in the USA.”

• Oak Street: The FTC took action against Oak Street Manufacturing Company, LLC, which also does business as Oak Street Bootmakers, alleging that the company falsely claimed that certain boots, loafers, moccasins, and other footwear products were “handcrafted 100%” in the United States; the “entire product” was made in the U.S. “from heel-to-toe, using no pre-assembled components from overseas”; and that their footwear products were “More than Made in USA^TM.” This law enforcement action also follows a warning letter issued by the FTC to Oak Street last July expressing concerns about the company’s “Made in USA” claims.

The FTC also issued closing letters to two companies. In addition to the three enforcement actions and settlement agreements, the FTC issued closing letters to two companies that had been under investigation for making unqualified “Made in the USA” claims without proper substantiation or support.

After being contacted by FTC staff, acrylic product and custom display manufacturer Marketing Holders LLC and trailer manufacturer Lamar Trailers, Inc. each agreed to take action to remediate certain “Made in USA” representations and bring their companies into compliance with the FTC’s “Made in USA” standard. Based on each company’s remedial actions and commitment to future compliance, FTC staff issued letters closing these investigations.

However, both companies were warned that the Commission reserves the right to monitor and take further action, including potentially filing a federal lawsuit.

NOTE: The Commission authorizes the filing of a complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the named defendants are violating or are about to violate the law and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. Stipulated orders have the force of law when approved and signed by the District Court judge.

The Federal Trade Commission offers guidance on how to comply with the “Made in USA” standard.

Today’s full FTC press release is available here.

Join NADA and the FTC for an informative webinar on Friday, April 17, at 3PM

NADA has arranged another Advertising Webinar with the FTC that is scheduled for Friday, April 17, at 3pm. Paul Metrey will host Chris Mufarrige, Director, FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection, to address questions regarding the FTC Advertising Warning Letters.

This will focus on the FTC’s compliance expectations for dealers, from the standpoint of Mufarrige, who directs all of the FTC’s enforcement efforts under consumer protection laws.

The FTC also plans to develop a set of FAQs to supplement the information provided during the webinar.

Dealers, ATAEs, dealer service providers, and OEMs may register for the webinar here. The webinar, which will be recorded, is not open to the public or members of the media.

Source: MSADA Bulletin, April 15, 2026