[Federal Register Volume 59, Number 73 (Friday, April 15, 1994)]
[Unknown Section]
[Page 0]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 94-9136]


[[Page Unknown]]

[Federal Register: April 15, 1994]


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FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION
16 CFR Part 236

 

Request for Comments Concerning Guide for Avoiding Deceptive Use 
of Word ``Mill'' in the Textile Industry

AGENCY: Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Request for public comments.

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SUMMARY: The Federal Trade Commission (the ``Commission'') is 
requesting public comments on its Guide for Avoiding Deceptive Use of 
Word ``Mill'' in the Textile Industry (``Use of Word `Mill' Guide''). 
The Commission is also requesting comments about the overall costs and 
benefits of the Use of the Word ``Mill'' Guide and its overall 
regulatory and economic impact as a part of its systematic review of 
all current Commission regulations and guides.

DATES: Written comments will be accepted until June 14, 1994.

ADDRESSES: Comments should be directed to: Secretary, Federal Trade 
Commission, room H-159, Sixth and Pennsylvania Ave., NW., Washington, 
DC 20580. Comments about the Use of Word ``Mill'' Guide should be 
identified as ``16 CFR Part 236--Comment.''

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:
Ann M. Guler, Investigator, Federal Trade Commission, Los Angeles 
Regional Office, suite 13209, 11000 Wilshire Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 
90024, (310) 575-7890.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The Commission has determined, as part of 
its oversight responsibilities, to review rules and guides 
periodically. These reviews will seek information about the costs and 
benefits of the Commission's rules and guides and their regulatory and 
economic impact. The information obtained will assist the Commission in 
identifying rules and guides that warrant modification or recision.
    At this time, the Commission solicits written public comments 
concerning the Commission's Guide for Avoiding Deceptive Use of Word 
``Mill'' in the Textile Industry (16 CFR part 236).
    The Use of the Word ``Mill'' Guide and the other industry guides 
issued by the Commission ``are administrative interpretations of laws 
administered by the Commission for the guidance of the public in 
conducting its affairs in conformity with legal requirements. They 
provide the basis for voluntary and simultaneous abandonment of 
unlawful practices by members of industry.'' 16 CFR 1.5. Conduct 
inconsistent with the guides may result in corrective action by the 
Commission under applicable statutory provisions. The Commission 
promulgates industry guides ``when it appears to the Commission that 
guidance as to the legal requirements applicable to particular 
practices would be beneficial in the public interest and would serve to 
bring about more widespread and equitable observance of laws 
administered by the Commission.'' 16 CFR 1.6.
    The Use of Word ``Mill'' Guide states that the word ``mill'' should 
not be used in the corporate, business, or trade name of any person or 
concern handling textiles, unless the person or concern actually owns 
and operates or controls the manufacturing facility in which all 
textile materials sold under that name are produced. The Use of the 
Word ``Mill'' Guide includes examples where use of the word ``mill'' 
has been found to be deceptive.
    Accordingly, the Commission solicits public comments on the 
following questions:
    1. Is there a continuing need for the guide?
    a. What benefits has the guide provided to purchasers of the 
products or services affected by the guide?
    b. Has the guide imposed costs on purchasers?
    2. What changes, if any, should be made to the guide to increase 
the benefits of the guide to purchasers?
    a. How would these changes affect the costs the guide imposes on 
firms subject to its requirements?
    3. What significant burdens or costs, including costs of adherence, 
has the guide imposed on firms subject to its requirements?
    a. Has the guide provided benefits to such firms?
    4. What changes, if any, should be made to the guide to reduce the 
burdens or costs imposed on firms subject to its requirements?
    a. How would these changes affect the benefits provided by the 
guide?
    5. Does the guide overlap or conflict with other federal, state, or 
local laws or regulations?
    6. Since the guide was issued, what effects, if any, have changes 
in relevant technology or economic conditions had on the guide?

    Authority: 15 U.S.C. 41-58.

List of Subjects in 16 CFR Part 22

    Advertising, Trade name, Textiles, Mill.

    By direction of the Commission.
Donald S. Clark,
Secretary.
[FR Doc. 94-9136 Filed 4-14-94; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 6750-01-M