Environmental Marketing Claims: Changes Coming with the New FTC Green Guides

Thursday, April 21, 2011 from Noon to 1:15pm

A Program Co-Sponsored by the Oregon State Bar Antitrust and Trade Regulation and Sustainable Future Sections and by the Green Business Initiative at the University of Oregon School of Law.

Last October, the Federal Trade Commission published revised Green Guides, calling for accuracy in marketing in four new areas: renewable energy claims; carbon offsets; renewable materials claims; and the use of environmental certifications and seals of approval.  Although still under agency review, the revised Green Guides already provide new guideposts for competitors, consumers, and state regulators looking to challenge misleading green marketing claims.  Given the intense interest in the Guides, and the growing public frustration with greenwashing, this CLE program will provide a valuable overview of the new Guides and their impact.  Click here for the presentation from the CLE.

In a one-hour brown-bag lunch program, participants joined attorney Joseph (“Jay”) Eckhardt for analysis and discussion of these new provisions of the Green Guides, and the way they may already affect manufacturers, marketers, and consumers.   Jay Eckhardt is a Member of the Executive Committee of the Antitrust and Trade Regulation Section of the Oregon State Bar and is an attorney at Stoel Rives, LLP, based in Portland, Oregon.  Prior to joining the firm in 2008, he practiced law in Washington D.C. at the firm of McDermott Will & Emery, focusing primarily on antitrust and consumer protection matters before the Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice.  Jay holds a B.A. in history from New York University, a Masters Degree in Public Health from Emory University, and a J.D. and Master of Laws in International Law, from Duke University.

Date/Time:       Thursday, April 21, 2011 from Noon to 1:15pm

Location:          University of Oregon in Portland, (White Stag Block)

70 NW Couch Street in Portland (Entrance on NW Couch)

The Turnbull Center on Floor 3R

Parking:            Parking is available at the Smart Park at NW Naito Parkway and Davis Street (entrance on Davis).  Metered street parking is also available.

Transit:             MAX (both Eastbound and Westbound):  Exit MAX at Old Town/Chinatown (stop ID 8378), located at the intersection of NW First and Davis or at Skid more Fountain (stop ID 8379, located at the intersection of NW First and Couch.  Several bus lines are located near the White Stag Block.  For light rail and bus schedules, visit the TriMet website, www.trimet.org.

Cost:                No cost

CLE:                1.0 hour CLE credit (pending)

Lunch:  Brown bag (bring your own); coffee, tea, and other beverages provided

Phone:             If telephone participation is requested, Jennifer will send the call number and pass code.