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FTC Final Click-to-Cancel Rule: Implications for Subscription Contracts, Autorenewals, and Other Negative Option Offers

A live 90-minute CLE video webinar with interactive Q&A

This program is included with the Strafford CLE Pass. Click for more information.
This program is included with the Strafford All-Access Pass. Click for more information.

Tuesday, January 14, 2025

1:00pm-2:30pm EST, 10:00am-11:30am PST

Early Registration Discount Deadline, Friday, December 20, 2024

or call 1-800-926-7926

This CLE webinar will discuss the FTC's final "Click-to-Cancel" rule and its significant impact on contracts and subscriptions. The panel will explore the scope of this new rule, its requirements, and the legal obligations and risks businesses need to be aware of to ensure compliance and avoid FTC scrutiny.

Description

On Oct. 16, 2024, the FTC finalized its Click-to-Cancel rule, which requires that businesses offering subscriptions or recurring services provide a simple, straightforward method for consumers to cancel their contracts and subscriptions. The rule also imposes other requirements on sellers of goods or services with a so-called "negative option" feature under which the seller interprets a customer's silence or failure to affirmatively take action to cancel an agreement to sell or provide goods or services as acceptance of the offer. If upheld, the rule will significantly impact marketing, purchase, and cancellation procedures for subscription services.

The new rule requires businesses to offer a cancellation mechanism that is as easy to use as the method the consumer used to subscribe. Businesses must also provide clear and conspicuous disclosures about the terms of the subscription, including how to cancel the subscription agreement and obtain affirmative consent from consumers before charging them for a subscription or renewal.

Violations of the Click-to-Cancel rule can result in significant penalties, including consumer redress and civil monetary penalties of more than $50,000 per violation. Companies that offer subscription-based services and contracts should review and potentially overhaul their current practices and procedures.

Listen as our expert panel delves into the details of the FTC's final Click-to-Cancel rule, its implications for businesses, and practical steps for compliance.

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Outline

  1. Overview of Click-to-Cancel rule
  2. Scope and applicability of the rule
    1. Consumer contracts
    2. Business-to-business contracts
  3. Key provisions of the rule
    1. Clear and conspicuous material disclosures
    2. Affirmative consent
    3. Renewal reminders
    4. Simplified cancellation process
    5. Misrepresentation prevention
    6. Enforcement mechanisms
  4. Penalties for violations of Click-to-Cancel
  5. Actions businesses should take now
    1. Reviewing and updating current practices
    2. Enhancing disclosure and consent processes
    3. Simplifying cancellation procedures
    4. Training staff on compliance requirements
  6. Key takeaways

Benefits

The panel will review these and other key issues:

  • Key provisions of the FTC's Click-to-Cancel rule
  • Whether Click-to-Cancel preempts more stringent state laws
  • Contractual obligations and compliance; ensuring clear disclosures, consent, and easy cancellation
  • Legal risks and penalties for noncompliance
  • Practical steps for businesses to align current practices with the new rule

Faculty

Jaeger, Michael
Michael Jaeger

Counsel
Mayer Brown

Mr. Jaeger represents clients in class actions and complex litigation in state and federal courts across the...  |  Read More

Remick, Alexandra
Alexandra (Ali) Remick

Associate
Covington & Burling

Ms. Remick is a member of the Advertising and Consumer Protection Investigations Group. Her practice focuses on...  |  Read More

Singer, Paul
Paul L. Singer

Partner
Kelley Drye & Warren

Mr. Singer spent over two decades in the Texas Attorney General’s office, spearheading its consumer protection,...  |  Read More

Attend on January 14

Early Discount (through 12/20/24)

Cannot Attend January 14?

Early Discount (through 12/20/24)

You may pre-order a recording to listen at your convenience. Recordings are available 48 hours after the webinar. Strafford will process CLE credit for one person on each recording. All formats include course handouts.

To find out which recorded format will provide the best CLE option, select your state:

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