FTC Approves Final Orders Requiring Two Professional Associations to Eliminate Rules that Restrict Competition among Their Members

Following a public comment period, the Federal Trade Commission has approved final orders settling charges that the National Association of Residential Property Managers, Inc. (NARPM) and the National Association of Teachers of Singing, Inc. (NATS) restrained competition among their respective members through their codes of ethics.  

Under the FTC orders, the National Association of Residential Property Managers must stop restraining members from soliciting competitors’ clients or engaging in comparative advertising that is not false or deceptive and the National Association of Teachers of Singing cannot prohibit its members from soliciting students from other members. The NATS order also requires it to obtain a certification from each of its chapters that the chapter is not engaged in any prohibited practices and both associations must implement compliance programs.   

The Commission votes approving the final orders were both 5-0. (NARPM: FTC File No 141 0031; the staff contact is Armando Irizarry, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2964; NATS: FTC File No 131 0127; the staff contact is Karen A. Mills, Bureau of Competition, 202-326-2052.)

The FTC’s Bureau of Competition works with the Bureau of Economics to investigate alleged anticompetitive business practices and, when appropriate, recommends that the Commission take law enforcement action. To inform the Bureau about particular business practices, call 202-326-3300, send an e-mail to antitrust@ftc.gov, or write to the Office of Policy and Coordination, Bureau of Competition, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Ave, Room CC-5422, Washington, DC 20580. To learn more about the Bureau of Competition, read Competition Counts. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.