Thomas Hughes

A former staff attorney at the Federal Trade Commission, Tom partners with our clients to provide solutions to advertising and marketing problems. He monitors false advertising and consumer law developments at the Federal Trade Commission, National Advertising Division, state Attorneys General, and in civil lawsuits filed under the Lanham Act, and distills those developments into useful solutions. If competitors falsely advertise their products or services, if competitors use the Lanham Act or the NAD to challenge our clients' advertisements, or if the Federal Trade Commission or state Attorneys General challenge an advertisement or marketing practice, Tom, joined by other talent at Hunton, will respond. Relevant Experience * Successfully represented technology, consumer products, and information services companies in Federal Trade Commission investigations alleging false advertising, unfair and deceptive trade practices, and unfair and deceptive privacy and security practices. * Represented technology and telecommunications companies in state attorneys general investigations alleging false advertising and deceptive marketing practices. * Represented Fortune 100 companies before the National Advertising Division in challenges by competitors alleging false advertising. * Obtained settlements halting false advertising and unauthorized repackaging of client’s products. * Assisted in the defense of Robinson-Patman Act claims tried before a jury. Jury found in client's favor on all counts. * Assisted in the defense of private class action lawsuits alleging unfair competition and deceptive trade practices. Lawsuits dismissed on the pleadings. * Obtained favorable settlement of false advertising and unfair competition matter involving former employees misrepresenting capabilities of former company. * Currently operating a blog (www.reasonablebasis.com) on trends, current events and noteworthy happenings in advertising and consumer law. Background * Attorney, Federal Trade Commission, 1996–98 * Law Clerk, Federal Trade Commission, 1995–96 * Army Officer, 1987–90 Membership * Member, District of Columbia Bar * Member, Massachusetts State Bar Education * J.D., Suffolk University Law School, magna cum laude, Law Review, 1996 * B.A., Bryant College, 1987