Price Gouging Regulation and Enforcement in the COVID-19 Era

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June's topic will be PRICE GOUGING REGULATION AND ENFORCEMENT IN THE COVID-19 ERA: After the global COVID-19 pandemic resulted in declarations of states of emergency by state and federal executives, triggering their jurisdictions’ price gouging laws, legislators and enforcers have stepped up their consumer protection efforts in this area exponentially. Widespread reports of price gouging have resulted in a flurry of legislative activity, with proposed federal bills seeking to fill gaps in the current patchwork of state price gouging laws that prohibit sellers from excessively or unconscionably increasing the prices of essential goods and services during a declared state of emergency. And investigations and enforcement actions are on the rise as thousands of complaints pour in to state Attorneys Generals’ tip lines. This webinar will explore the current state of affairs in price gouging regulation and enforcement and the implications for businesses, providing practical tips on risk management and pricing strategies. Presenting from Venable will be The Honorable Mark Pryor, Partner, Melissa Landau Steinman, Partner and Kate Patton, Associate.

Mark Pryor, Partner, is a former two-term U.S. senator and state attorney general who co-chairs Venable's Legislative and Government Affairs Group and the State Attorneys General Group. He also co-chairs Venable's Congressional Investigations practice. Mark leverages his Capitol Hill experience and relationships to counsel clients effectively on a wide variety of major issues at the intersection of law, policy, and business. From 2003 to 2015, Mark represented Arkansas in the United States Senate, with a strong commitment to issues directly affecting the American people, including communications, internet, privacy, cybersecurity, aviation, automotive, consumer protection, homeland security, FEMA, and agriculture.

Melissa Landau Steinman, Partner, focuses on advertising and marketing, including litigation, antitrust, trade regulation, and consumer protections. Melissa is particularly knowledgeable in the technology, retail, media, gaming, and hospitality industries. She also actively represents clients in government investigations and defends clients in class action cases. Melissa also assists nonprofit organizations and others with charitable promotions and commercial co-ventures. She represents celebrities, producers, and notable businesses, and trade associations involved in consumer products and services, media, internet gaming, gambling, software, technology, and telecommunications.

Kate Patton, Associate, represents clients in a broad range of industries on matters related to advertising, marketing, and intellectual property law. Her practice includes private and government litigation, federal and state government investigations, and client counseling. Prior to joining Venable, Kate practiced in the litigation department of a New York law firm, with an active trial practice in state and federal courts. She represented clients in commercial business disputes and employment matters, and before the National Advertising Division of the Council of Better Business Bureaus (NAD) and the Trademark Trial and Appeal Board (TTAB). Kate also has a background in marketing communications and government affairs.