Major Federal Agencies Involved in Control of Advertising

Question 1

Federal Trade Commission

Answer 1

Regulates commerce between states; controls unfair business practices; takes action of false and deceptive advertising; most important agency in regulation of advertising and promotion.

Question 2

Food and Drug Administration

Answer 2

Regulatory division of the Department of Health, Education, and Welfare; controls marketing of food, drugs, cosmetics, medical devices, and potentially hazardous consumer products.

Question 3

Federal Communications Commission

Answer 3

Regulates advertising indirectly, primarily through the power to grant or withdraw broadcasting licenses.

Question 4

Postal Service

Answer 4

Regulates material that goes through the mails, primarily in areas of obscenity, lottery, and fraud.

Question 5

Alcohol and Tobacco Tax Division

Answer 5

Part of the Treasury Department; has broad powers to regulate deceptive and misleading advertising of liquor and tobacco.

Question 6

Grain Division

Answer 6

Unit of the Department of Agriculture responsible for policing seed advertising.

Question 7

Securities and Exchange Commission

Answer 7

Regulates advertising of securities.

Question 8

Patent Office

Answer 8

Regulates registration of trademarks.

Question 9

Library of Congress

Answer 9

Controls protection of copyrights.

Question 10

Department of Justice

Answer 10

Enforces all federal laws through prosecuting cases referred to it by other government agencies.