15 U.S.C. § 45c: Unfair and deceptive acts and practices relating to circumvention of ticket access control measures

to circumvent a security measure, access control system, or other technological control or measure on an Internet website or online service that is used by the ticket issuer to enforce posted event ticket purchasing limits or to maintain the integrity of posted online ticket purchasing order rules; or participated directly in or had the ability to control the conduct in violation of subparagraph (A); or knew or should have known that the event ticket was acquired in violation of subparagraph (A). to investigate, or further the enforcement or defense, of any alleged violation of this section or other statute or regulation; or to engage in research necessary to identify and analyze flaws and vulnerabilities of measures, systems, or controls described in paragraph (1)(A), if these research activities are conducted to advance the state of knowledge in the field of computer system security or to assist in the development of computer security product. A violation of subsection (a) shall be treated as a violation of a rule defining an unfair or a deceptive act or practice under section 18(a)(1)(B) of the Federal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 57a(a)(1)(B) ). The Commission shall enforce this section in the same manner, by the same means, and with the same jurisdiction, powers, and duties as though all applicable terms and provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.) were incorporated into and made a part of this section. Any person who violates subsection (a) shall be subject to the penalties and entitled to the privileges and immunities provided in the Federal Trade Commission Act ( 15 U.S.C. 41 et seq.). Nothing in this section shall be construed to limit the authority of the Federal Trade Commission under any other provision of law. to enjoin further violation of such subsection by such person; to compel compliance with such subsection; and to obtain damages, restitution, or other compensation on behalf of such residents. Except as provided in clause (iii), the attorney general of a State shall notify the Commission in writing that the attorney general intends to bring a civil action under paragraph (1) not later than 10 days before initiating the civil action. The notification required by clause (i) with respect to a civil action shall include a copy of the complaint to be filed to initiate the civil action. If it is not feasible for the attorney general of a State to provide the notification required by clause (i) before initiating a civil action under paragraph (1), the attorney general shall notify the Commission immediately upon instituting the civil action. intervene in any civil action brought by the attorney general of a State under paragraph (1); and be heard on all matters arising in the civil action; and file petitions for appeal of a decision in the civil action. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prevent the attorney general of a State from exercising the powers conferred on the attorney general by the laws of the State to conduct investigations, to administer oaths or affirmations, or to compel the attendance of witnesses or the production of documentary or other evidence. If the Commission institutes a civil action or an administrative action with respect to a violation of subsection (a), the attorney general of a State may not, during the pendency of such action, bring a civil action under paragraph (1) against any defendant named in the complaint of the Commission for the violation with respect to which the Commission instituted such action. the district court of the United States that meets applicable requirements relating to venue under section 1391 of title 28 ; or another court of competent jurisdiction. is an inhabitant; or may be found. In addition to civil actions brought by attorneys general under paragraph (1), any other consumer protection officer of a State who is authorized by the State to do so may bring a civil action under paragraph (1), subject to the same requirements and limitations that apply under this subsection to civil actions brought by attorneys general. Nothing in this subsection may be construed to prohibit an authorized official of a State from initiating or continuing any proceeding in a court of the State for a violation of any civil or criminal law of the State. The term ‘Commission’ means the Federal Trade Commission. is open to the general public; and is promoted, advertised, or marketed in interstate commerce or for which event tickets are generally sold or distributed in interstate commerce. a right, privilege, or license to enter an event venue or occupy a particular seat or area in an event venue with respect to one or more events; or an entitlement to purchase such a right, privilege, or license with respect to one or more future events. the operator of the venue; the sponsor or promoter of an event; a sports team participating in an event or a league whose teams are participating in an event; a theater company, musical group, or similar participant in an event; and an agent for any such person.”