John E Villafranco

John defends and advises clients in a wide range of advertising and marketing matters, particularly when it comes to unwanted scrutiny of the Federal Trade Commission, state attorneys general, competitors, or consumers.

John’s experience has included matters involving a broad range of products and practices, with an emphasis on demonstrating that his clients’ advertising and marketing practices are truthful and not otherwise deceptive. This work has included claims related to a variety of health, consumer, and telecommunications products; emerging issues involving social media influencers, online reviews, and native advertising; and allegations of consumer fraud. John has also successfully represented numerous C-suite executives when regulators have attempted to hold them individually liable.

John helped develop the self-regulatory mechanisms that resolve advertising and marketing disputes without resorting to litigation. This work has included reviewing and proposing suggested revisions to the procedures that govern matters before the National Advertising Division (NAD), the National Advertising Review Board (NARB), and the Direct Selling Self-Regulatory Council. He continues to regularly defend clients in matters before these bodies. In 2025, John handled more NAD matters than any other attorney, representing the broadest array of industries appearing before the division that year.

In his counseling practice, John provides practical guidance and helps develop comprehensive compliance strategies on the full range of consumer protection issues.