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102 3033

UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION

COMMISSIONERS: Jon Leibowitz, Chairman 

William E. Kovacic

J. Thomas Rosch 

Edith Ramirez

Julie Brill

In the Matter of

ORECK CORPORATION,

 a corporation.

DOCKET NO. C-4321

DECISION AND ORDER

The Federal Trade Commission having initiated an investigation of certain acts and

practices of the respondent named in the caption hereof, and the respondent having been

furnished thereafter with a copy of a draft of complaint which the Western Region-San Francisco

proposed to present to the Commission for its consideration and which, if issued by the

Commission, would charge respondent with violation of the Federal Trade Commission Act; and

The respondent, its attorneys, and counsel for the Commission having thereafter executed 

an agreement containing a consent order, an admission by the respondent of all the jurisdictional

facts set forth in the aforesaid draft of complaint, a statement that the signing of said agreement

is for settlement purposes only and does not constitute an admission by respondent that the law

has been violated as alleged in such complaint, or that the facts as alleged in such complaint,

other than jurisdictional facts, are true and waivers and other provisions as required by the

Commission’s Rules; and

The Commission having thereafter considered the matter and having determined that it

had reason to believe that the respondent has violated the said Act, and that complaint should

issue stating its charges in that respect, and having thereupon accepted the executed consent

agreement and placed such agreement on the public record for a period of thirty (30) days, now

in further conformity with the procedure prescribed in Commission Rule 2.34, the Commission

hereby issues its complaint, makes the following jurisdictional findings and enters the following

order:

1. Respondent Oreck Corporation is a Delaware corporation with its principal office or

place of business at 565 Marriott Drive, Suite 300, Nashville, Tennessee 37214.
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2. The Federal Trade Commission has jurisdiction of the subject matter of this proceeding

and of the respondent, and the proceeding is in the public interest.

ORDER

DEFINITIONS

For purposes of this order, the following definitions shall apply:

1. “Competent and reliable scientific evidence” shall mean tests, analyses, research or

studies that have been conducted and evaluated in an objective manner by qualified persons and

are generally accepted in the profession to yield accurate and reliable results.

2. Unless otherwise specified, “respondent” shall mean Oreck Corporation, a corporation,

its successors and assigns and its officers, agents, representatives, and employees.

3. “Commerce” shall mean as defined in Section 4 of the Federal Trade Commission Act,

15 U.S.C. § 44.

I.

IT IS ORDERED that respondent, directly or through any corporation, partnership,

subsidiary, division, trade name, or other device, in connection with the manufacturing, labeling,

advertising, promotion, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of the Oreck Halo or any other

vacuum cleaner, in or affecting commerce, shall not make, or assist others in making, any

representation, in any manner, expressly or by implication, including through the use of a

product name, endorsement, depiction, or illustration:

A. that such product reduces the risk of or prevents the flu;

B. that such product reduces the risk of or prevents illnesses or ailments caused by

bacteria, viruses, molds, or allergens, such as the common cold, diarrhea, upset

stomachs, asthma and allergy symptoms; 

C. that such product will eliminate all or virtually all germs, bacteria, dust mites,

molds, viruses or allergens from a user’s floor;

D. about the ability of such product to eliminate any percent or numerical quantity of

germs, bacteria, dust mites, molds, viruses or allergens from a user’s floor; and

E. that ultraviolet light is effective against germs, bacteria, dust mites, molds, viruses

or allergens embedded in carpets;
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unless the representation is non-misleading and, at the time it is made, respondent

possesses and relies upon competent and reliable scientific evidence that is sufficient in quality

and quantity based on standards generally accepted in the relevant scientific fields, when

considered in light of the entire body of relevant and reliable scientific evidence, to substantiate

that the representation is true.

II.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, directly or through any corporation,

partnership, subsidiary, division, trade name, or other device, in connection with the

manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of the

Oreck ProShield Plus or any other air cleaning product, in or affecting commerce, shall not

make, or assist others in making, any representation, in any manner, expressly or by implication,

including through the use of a product name, endorsement, depiction, or illustration:

A. that such product reduces the risk of or prevents the flu;

B. that such product reduces the risk of or prevents illnesses or ailments caused by

bacteria, viruses, molds, or allergens, such as the common cold, asthma and

allergy symptoms; 

C. that such product will eliminate all or virtually all indoor airborne particles under

normal living conditions; and

D. about the ability of such product to eliminate any percent or numerical quantity of

indoor air contaminants under normal living conditions;

unless the representation is non-misleading and, at the time it is made, respondent

possesses and relies upon competent and reliable scientific evidence that is sufficient in quality

and quantity based on standards generally accepted in the relevant scientific fields, when

considered in light of the entire body of relevant and reliable scientific evidence, to substantiate

that the representation is true.

III.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, directly or through any corporation,

partnership, subsidiary, division, trade name, or other device, in connection with the

manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of any

product in or affecting commerce, shall not make, or assist others in making, any representation,

in any manner, expressly or by implication, including through the use of a product name,

endorsement, depiction, or illustration, other than representations covered under Parts I and II of

this order, about the absolute or comparative health benefits of such product, unless the

representation is non-misleading, and, at the time of making such representation, the respondent
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possesses and relies upon competent and reliable scientific evidence that is sufficient in quality

and quantity based on standards generally accepted in the relevant scientific fields, when

considered in light of the entire body of relevant and reliable scientific evidence, to substantiate

that the representation is true.

IV.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent, directly or through any corporation,

partnership, subsidiary, division, trade name, or other device, in connection with the

manufacturing, labeling, advertising, promotion, offering for sale, sale, or distribution of any

product in or affecting commerce, shall not misrepresent, or assist others in misrepresenting, in

any manner, expressly or by implication, the existence, contents, validity, results, conclusions, or

interpretations of any test, study, or research.

V.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent shall, within thirty (30) days after the

date of entry of this order, provide to the Commission a searchable electronic file containing the

name and contact information of all consumers who purchased the Oreck Halo or the Oreck

ProShield Plus from January 1, 2009 through August 31, 2010, to the extent it has such

information in its possession or control, including information available upon request from

franchisees or others. Such file: (1) shall include each consumer’s name and address, the

product(s) purchased, the total amount of moneys paid less any amount credited for returns or

refunds, the date(s) of purchase, and, if available, the consumer’s telephone number and email

address; (2) shall be updated through the National Change of Address database; and (3) shall be

accompanied by a sworn affidavit attesting to its accuracy.

VI.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent shall pay to the Federal Trade

Commission the sum of seven hundred fifty thousand dollars ($750,000). This payment shall be

made in the following manner:

A. The payment shall be made by wire transfer made payable to the Federal Trade

Commission, the payment to be made no later than five (5) days after the date that

this order becomes final.

B. In the event of default on any obligation to make payment under this order,

interest, computed pursuant to 28 U.S.C. § 1961(a), shall accrue from the date of

default to the date of payment. In the event such default continues for ten (10)

calendar days beyond the date that payment is due, the entire amount shall

immediately become due and payable.
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C. All funds paid to the Commission pursuant to this order shall be deposited into an

account administered by the Commission or its agents to be used for equitable

relief, including, but not limited to, consumer redress, and any attendant expenses

for the administration of such equitable relief. In the event that direct redress to

consumers is wholly or partially impracticable or funds remain after the redress to

consumers is completed, the Commission may apply any remaining funds for

such other equitable relief (including consumer information remedies) as it

determines to be reasonably related to respondent’s practices alleged in the

complaint. Any funds not used for such equitable relief shall be deposited in the

United States Treasury as disgorgement. Respondent shall have no right to

challenge the Commission’s choice of remedies under this Part. Respondent shall

have no right to contest the manner of distribution chosen by the Commission. No

portion of any payment under the judgment herein shall be deemed a payment of

any fine, penalty, or punitive assessment.

D. Respondent relinquishes all dominion, control, and title to the funds paid to the

fullest extent permitted by law. Respondent shall make no claim to or demand for

return of the funds, directly or indirectly, through counsel or otherwise.

E. Respondent agrees that the facts as alleged in the complaint filed in this action

shall be taken as true without further proof in any bankruptcy case or subsequent

civil litigation pursued by the Commission to enforce its rights to any payment or

money judgment pursuant to this order, including but not limited to a

nondischargeability complaint in any bankruptcy case. Respondent further agrees

that the facts alleged in the complaint establish all elements necessary to sustain

an action by the Commission pursuant to Section 523(a)(2)(A) of the Bankruptcy

Code, 11 U.S. C. § 523(a)(2)(A), and that this order shall have collateral estoppel

effect for such purposes.

F. In accordance with 31 U.S.C. § 7701, respondent is hereby required, unless it has

done so already, to furnish to the Commission its taxpayer identifying number,

which shall be used for the purposes of collecting and reporting on any delinquent

amount arising out of respondent’s relationship with the government. 

G. Proceedings instituted under this Part are in addition to, and not in lieu of, any

other civil or criminal remedies that may be provided by law, including any other

proceedings the Commission may initiate to enforce this order.

VII.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and

assigns shall send as soon as practicable, but in no event later than thirty (30) days after entry of

this order, by first-class mail, postage prepaid and return receipt requested, an exact copy of the
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notice attached hereto as Attachment A, showing the date of mailing, to all of respondent’s

franchisees. The notice required by this paragraph shall include a copy of this order, but shall

not include any other document or enclosures and shall be sent to the principal place of business

of each entity. 

VIII.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and

assigns shall, for five (5) years after the last date of dissemination of any representation covered

by this order, maintain and upon request make available to the Federal Trade Commission for

inspection and copying:

A. All advertisements and promotional materials containing the representation;

B. All materials that were relied upon in disseminating the representation; and

C. All tests, reports, studies, surveys, demonstrations, or other evidence in its

possession or control that contradict, qualify, or call into question the representation, or the basis

relied upon for the representation, including complaints and other communications with

consumers or with governmental or consumer protection organizations.

IX.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and

assigns shall deliver a copy of this order to all current and future principals, officers, directors,

and other employees having primary responsibilities with respect to the subject matter of this

order, and shall secure from each such person a signed and dated statement acknowledging

receipt of the order. Respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and assigns shall deliver

this order to current personnel within thirty (30) days after the date of service of this order, and

to future personnel within thirty (30) days after the person assumes such position or

responsibilities.

X.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and

assigns shall notify the Commission at least thirty (30) days prior to any change in the

corporation(s) that may affect compliance obligations arising under this order, including but not

limited to a dissolution, assignment, sale, merger, or other action that would result in the

emergence of a successor corporation; the creation or dissolution of a subsidiary, parent, or

affiliate that engages in any acts or practices subject to this order; the proposed filing of a

bankruptcy petition; or a change in the corporate name or address. Provided, however, that, with

respect to any proposed change in the corporation about which respondent learns less than thirty
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(30) days prior to the date such action is to take place, respondent shall notify the Commission as

soon as is practicable after obtaining such knowledge. Unless otherwise directed by a

representative of the Commission, all notices required by this Part shall be sent by overnight

courier (not the U.S. Postal Service) to the Associate Director of Enforcement, Bureau of

Consumer Protection, Federal Trade Commission, 600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, Washington,

DC 20580, with the subject line: In the Matter of Oreck Corporation, FTC File Number 102-

3033. Provided, however, that, in lieu of overnight courier, notices may be sent by first-class

mail, but only if an electronic version of such notices is contemporaneously sent to the

Commission at Debrief@ftc.gov. 

XI.

IT IS FURTHER ORDERED that respondent Oreck Corporation and its successors and

assigns shall, within sixty (60) days after the date of service of this order, file with the

Commission a true and accurate report, in writing, setting forth in detail the manner and form of

its own compliance with this order. Within ten (10) days of receipt of written notice from a

representative of the Commission, they shall submit additional true and accurate written reports.

XII.

This order will terminate on May 19, 2031, or twenty (20) years from the most recent

date that the United States or the Federal Trade Commission files a complaint (with or without

an accompanying consent decree) in federal court alleging any violation of the order, whichever

comes later; provided, however, that the filing of such a complaint will not affect the duration of:

A. Any Part in this order that terminates in less than twenty (20) years;

B. This order’s application to any respondent that is not named as a defendant in

such complaint; and

C. This order if such complaint is filed after the order has terminated pursuant to this

Part.
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Provided, further, that if such complaint is dismissed or a federal court rules that the respondent

did not violate any provision of the order, and the dismissal or ruling is either not appealed or

upheld on appeal, then the order will terminate according to this Part as though the complaint

had never been filed, except that the order will not terminate between the date such complaint is 

filed and the later of the deadline for appealing such dismissal or ruling and the date such

dismissal or ruling is upheld on appeal.

By the Commission.

Donald S. Clark

Secretary

ISSUED: May 19, 2011 
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ATTACHMENT A

[ON ORECK CORPORATION LETTERHEAD]

IMPORTANT NOTICE ABOUT GOVERNMENT ACTION

[insert addressee name]

[insert addressee address]

Dear Oreck franchisee:

In a recent lawsuit, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) alleged that Oreck Corporation

made misleading representations in its advertising and marketing of the Oreck Halo vacuum

cleaner and the Oreck ProShield Plus portable air cleaner. Among other things, the FTC alleged

that Oreck deceptively claimed that these products substantially reduce the risk of or prevent the

flu and other illnesses or ailments. In addition, the FTC alleged that Oreck made several other

deceptive claims regarding the products’ health benefits and effectiveness in removing germs

and allergens from the floor and air. 

Oreck resolved this matter with the FTC by a settlement in which it did not agree to any

wrongdoing. Oreck has agreed to send this notification to you as part of its settlement with the

FTC.

Oreck hereby requests that you immediately stop using all advertising and marketing

materials previously provided to you by Oreck relating to the Oreck Halo vacuum cleaner and

the Oreck ProShield Plus portable air cleaner. Under separate cover, Oreck will provide you

with instructions regarding future advertising and marketing for these products.

For further information about this matter, go to www.ftc.gov and search for “Oreck.”

Very truly yours,

John Arena

Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary

Oreck Corporation