# 16 C.F.R. § 254.2 (2026): Deceptive trade or business names

> Federal · Regulations · In force

URL: https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_2

## Section

- **Citation:** 16 C.F.R. § 254.2 (2026)
- **Heading:** Deceptive trade or business names
- **Jurisdiction:** Federal
- **Kind:** Regulations
- **Status:** In force
- **Text as of:** August 14, 2026
- **Source:** Compiled text
- **Location:** Title 16 CFR: Commercial Practices / Chapter I: FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION / Part 254: GUIDES FOR PRIVATE VOCATIONAL AND DISTANCE EDUCATION SCHOOLS / § 254.2: § 254.2   Deceptive trade or business names.

## Text

(a) It is deceptive for an Industry Member to misrepresent, directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, the nature of the school, its Accreditation, programs of instruction, methods of teaching, or any other material fact through the use of any trade or business name, label, insignia, or designation, or in any other manner.
(b) It is deceptive for an Industry Member to deceptively conceal in any way the fact that it is a school or to misrepresent, directly or indirectly, expressly or by implication, through the use of a trade or business name or in any other manner that:
(1) It is a part of or connected with a branch, bureau, or agency of the U.S. Government, including, but not limited to, the U.S. Department of Education, or of any State, or civil service commission; or
(2) It is an employment agency or an employment agent or authorized training facility for any industry or business.
[78 FR 68990, Nov. 19, 2013]

## Nearby sections

- [16 C.F.R. § 254.0 (2026) § 254.0   Scope and application.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_0.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.1 (2026) § 254.1   Definitions.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_1.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.2 (2026) § 254.2   Deceptive trade or business names.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_2.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.3 (2026) § 254.3   Misrepresentation of extent or nature of accreditation or approval.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_3.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.4 (2026) § 254.4   Misrepresentation of facilities, services, qualifications of staff, status, and employment prospects for students after training.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_4.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.5 (2026) § 254.5   Misrepresentations of enrollment qualifications or limitations.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_5.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.6 (2026) § 254.6   Deceptive use of diplomas, degrees, or certificates.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_6.md)
- [16 C.F.R. § 254.7 (2026) § 254.7   Deceptive sales practices.](https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_7.md)

---

Source: Frix Law Library, https://www.frixlaw.com/law-library/statutes/CFR_T16_P254_S254_2. Check the current official text before relying on it. Not legal advice.