A non-movant must present affirmative evidence from which a jury could find in their favor to withstand summary judgment rather than relying on bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence.
The Federal Trade Commission brought an action against defendants for making deceptive claims regarding the potential earnings and coaching availability of a mortgage-based wealth program. Following the district court's grant of summary judgment, the defendants challenged the ruling, arguing that the commission failed to meet its burden of proof. The court holds that to avoid summary judgment, a non-movant must present affirmative evidence from which a jury could find in their favor, as bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence are insufficient. Because the defendants failed to provide competent affirmative evidence to controvert the commission's substantial evidence of deception, the court affirms the summary judgment.
At page 929 Showing genuine issue of material fact for summary judgment97 citing cases“a non-movant's bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.”
- Carol Larson v. Jackson Nat'l Life Ins. Co., No. 2:23-cv-00354 (W.D. Wash. Aug. 4, 2026).(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere 23 scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Milos Prod. Tanker Corp. v. Valero Mktg. & Supply Co., No. 2:22-cv-01545 (C.D. Cal. Oct. 27, 2025).(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Libraty, No. 1:20-cv-01764 (E.D. Cal. Oct. 3, 2025).(A 14 non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence are both insufficient to withstand 15 summary judgment.)
- (PC) Harding v. Corr. Health Servs., No. 2:21-cv-00922 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 13, 2025).(A non- 13 movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to 14 withstand summary judgment.)
- Reyna v. City of Portland, 769 F. Supp. 3d 1161 (D. Or. 2025).published(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- O'Callaghan v. City of Portland, No. 3:21-cv-00812 (D. Or. Sept. 26, 2024).(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand Page 9 – FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATION summary judgment.)
- Rhawn Joseph v. City of San Jose, No. 23-15358 (9th Cir. Sept. 11, 2024).unpublished(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Pac. Off. Automation Inc. v. Pitney Bowes Inc., No. 3:20-cv-00651 (D. Or. July 15, 2024).(A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Cropper v. Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., No. 2:19-cv-00629 (D. Nev. Jan. 15, 2021).(A non-movant’s 26 bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand 27 summary judgment.)
- State of Iowa ex rel. Thomas J. Miller v. Vertrue, Inc., 834 N.W.2d 12 (Iowa 2013).published(Given the voluminous evidence showing that very few people made money using the Stefanchik Program as promised in the advertising materials and telemarketing pitches ... we conclude ... the marketing material made misr…)
Show 87 more citing cases
- Exec. Sec. Mgmt. Inc. v. Dahl, 830 F. Supp. 2d 883 (C.D. Cal. 2011).published (A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in [its] favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Larry Ikei v. City & Cnty. of Honolul, 441 F. App'x 493 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished (A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla *495 of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.)
- Castellanos, No. 1:21-cv-00794 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 8, 2026).(ECF No. 54-5.); see Woods v. Carey, 684 F.3d 934 (9th Cir. 2012); Rand v. Rowland, 154 F.3d 952, 957 (9th Cir. 1988); Klingele v. Eikenberry, 849 F.2d 28 409 , 411-12 (9th Cir. 1988). 1 have the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can p…
- Gross, No. 5:24-cv-02069 (N.D. Cal. Aug. 18, 2026).FTC 24 v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929 (9th Cir. 2009). 25 III.
- Koraitem v. Microchip Tech., Inc., No. 5:24-cv-00462 (N.D. Cal. Oct. 8, 2025).C. v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929 (9th Cir. 2009). 8 III.
- Purnell, No. 1:19-cv-00210 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 11, 2025).In contrast, if 13 the nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by 14 pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 15 If the movant satisfies it…
- Martinez v. Amazon.com Servs., LLC, No. 5:24-cv-01367 (N.D. Cal. July 30, 2025).FTC v. 4 Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929 (9th Cir. 2009). 5 Summary judgment should be entered “after adequate time for discovery.” Celotex, 477 6 U.S. at 322.
- Gastelum v. Best Buy, Inc., No. 1:23-cv-00244 (E.D. Cal. May 19, 2025).In contrast, if the nonmoving party will 1 have the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an 2 absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 3 If the movant satisfies its i…
- Wheat v. Wal-Mart Assocs., Inc., No. 1:22-cv-01524 (E.D. Cal. May 12, 2025).In contrast, if the nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the 1 movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support the 2 nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 3 If the movant satisfies its i…
- Chavez v. Ford Motor Credit Co., No. 1:23-cv-01205 (E.D. Cal. Apr. 3, 2025).R. 1 the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence 2 of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. (citing Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323 ). 3 If the movant satisfies its initial…
- Elite Semiconductor, Inc. v. Anchor Semiconductor, Inc., No. 5:20-cv-06846 (N.D. Cal. Jan. 13, 2025).FTC v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929 (9th Cir. 2009). 26 27 1 III.
- Deerpoint Grp., Inc. v. Agrigenix, LLC, No. 1:18-cv-00536 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 23, 2024).In contrast, if the nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the 19 movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support the 20 nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 21 If the movant satisfies it…
- Trujillo v. Cisneros, No. 1:22-cv-00983 (E.D. Cal. June 14, 2024).In contrast, if the nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the 10 movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support the 11 nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 12 If the movant satisfies it…
- Jones v. Cnty. of Tulare, No. 1:17-cv-01260 (E.D. Cal. June 20, 2023).In contrast, if the 23 nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by pointing 24 out that there is an absence of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. (citing Celotex, 25 477 U.S.…
- Sound Found. v. SCI Fund II, LLC, 658 F. Supp. 3d 929 (D. Or. 2023).published Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Woodral v. Cnty. of Stanislaus, No. 1:20-cv-00372 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 16, 2023).In contrast, if the nonmoving party will have the burden of proof at trial, “the 5 movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence of evidence to support the 6 nonmoving party’s case.” Id. 7 If the movant satisfies its i…
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Finacial Educ. Servs., Inc, No. 2:22-cv-11120 (E.D. Mich. Feb. 13, 2023).Nationwide, 767 F.3d at 633-34 ; FTC v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929-30 (9th Cir. 2009).
- (PC) Singh v. Devine, No. 1:22-cv-00061 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 19, 2022).FTC v. 6 Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 929 (9th Cir. 2009). 7 Second, Plaintiff has alleged no facts whatsoever to show he was excluded from 8 participating in any service, program, or activity based upon his disability, nor has he alleged 9 f…
- Tri-Dam v. Frazier, No. 1:20-cv-00408 (E.D. Cal. Jan. 18, 2022).By contrast, if the nonmoving party will have 6 the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence 7 of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. (citing Celotex, 477 U.S. at 32…
- Haddock v. Westrock CP, LLC, No. 1:19-cv-01390 (E.D. Cal. Dec. 16, 2021).By contrast, if the nonmoving party will have 6 the burden of proof at trial, “the movant can prevail merely by pointing out that there is an absence 7 of evidence to support the nonmoving party’s case.” Id. (citing Celotex, 477 U.S. at 32…
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. AMG Servs., Inc., 29 F. Supp. 3d 1338 (D. Nev. 2014).published
- Equal Emp. Opportunity Comm'n v. California Psychiatric Transitions, Inc., 644 F. Supp. 2d 1249 (E.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Davenport v. Bd. of Trs. of the State Ctr. Cmty. Coll. Dist., 654 F. Supp. 2d 1073 (E.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Lehman Bros. Holdings v. Evergreen Moneysource Mortg. Co., 793 F. Supp. 2d 1189 (W.D. Wash. 2011).published
- Escriba v. Foster Poultry Farms, 793 F. Supp. 2d 1147 (E.D. Cal. 2011).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Grant Connect, LLC, 827 F. Supp. 2d 1199 (D. Nev. 2011).published
- Harris v. City of Fresno, 625 F. Supp. 2d 983 (E.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Abarca v. Franklin Cnty. Water Dist., 761 F. Supp. 2d 1007 (E.D. Cal. 2011).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Inc21.com Corp., 745 F. Supp. 2d 975 (N.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Roe ex rel. Callahan v. Gustine Unified Sch. Dist., 678 F. Supp. 2d 1008 (E.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Britz Fertilizers, Inc. v. Bayer Corp., 665 F. Supp. 2d 1142 (E.D. Cal. 2009).published
- City of Fresno v. United States, 709 F. Supp. 2d 888 (E.D. Cal. 2010).published
- United States v. Vacante, 717 F. Supp. 2d 992 (E.D. Cal. 2010).published
- United States v. Organic Pastures Dairy Co., 708 F. Supp. 2d 1005 (E.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Citri-Lite Co. v. Cott Beverages, Inc., 721 F. Supp. 2d 912 (E.D. Cal. 2010).published
- City of Fresno v. United States, 709 F. Supp. 2d 934 (E.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Kirk Henry v. Kimtran Rizzolo, 554 F. App'x 671 (9th Cir. 2014).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. E.M.A. Nationwide, Inc., 767 F.3d 611 (6th Cir. 2014).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. MacGregor, 360 F. App'x 891 (9th Cir. 2009).unpublished
- State Of Washington v. LA Investors, LLC, 410 P.3d 1183 (Wash. Ct. App. 2018).published
- Breeona Osteen v. Bayer Corp., No. 16-56381 (9th Cir. June 11, 2018).unpublished
- Banga v. First USA, NA, 29 F. Supp. 3d 1270 (N.D. Cal. 2014).published
- Duran v. City of Porterville, 47 F. Supp. 3d 1044 (E.D. Cal. 2014).published
- Rollins v. Dignity Health, 59 F. Supp. 3d 965 (N.D. Cal. 2014).published
- Cotta v. Cnty. of Kings, 79 F. Supp. 3d 1148 (E.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Bauer v. Harris, 94 F. Supp. 3d 1149 (E.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Archer v. Gipson, 108 F. Supp. 3d 895 (E.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Elhouty v. Lincoln Benefit Life Co., 121 F. Supp. 3d 989 (E.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Bowen v. M. Caratan, Inc., 142 F. Supp. 3d 1007 (E.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Tekoh v. Cnty. of Los Angeles, 270 F. Supp. 3d 1163 (C.D. Cal. 2017).published
- Grenning v. Klemme, 34 F. Supp. 3d 1144 (E.D. Wash. 2014).published
- Gray v. Harrah's Operating Co., 328 F. App'x 468 (9th Cir. 2009).unpublished
- Weary v. Long Reef Condo. Ass'n, 57 V.I. 163 (2012).published
- Lewis v. City of Fresno, 834 F. Supp. 2d 990 (E.D. Cal. 2011).published
- U.S. Equal Emp. Opportunity Comm'n v. Alia Corp., 842 F. Supp. 2d 1243 (E.D. Cal. 2012).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Washington Data Resources, 856 F. Supp. 2d 1247 (M.D. Fla. 2012).published
- McCauley v. ASML US, Inc., 917 F. Supp. 2d 1143 (D. Or. 2013).published
- Salisbury v. Hickman, 974 F. Supp. 2d 1282 (E.D. Cal. 2013).published
- Walsh v. Tehachapi Unified Sch. Dist., 997 F. Supp. 2d 1071 (E.D. Cal. 2014).published
- J&N Agency LLC v. Nat'l Superior Express Ltd., No. 2:19-cv-05691 (D. Ariz. Nov. 10, 2020).
- GlobalTranz Enter. Inc. v. Murphy, No. 2:18-cv-04819 (D. Ariz. Mar. 26, 2021).
- Thompson v. Dignity Health, No. 2:17-cv-01607 (D. Ariz. Aug. 5, 2021).
- (PC) Jacques v. Lopez, Jr., No. 1:16-cv-01289 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 5, 2019).
- (PC) Caesar v. Beard, No. 1:13-cv-01726 (E.D. Cal. Aug. 16, 2019).
- McKeon v. Cent. Valley Cmty. Sports Found., No. 1:18-cv-00358 (E.D. Cal. Dec. 27, 2019).
- Calderon v. Tulare Reg'l Med. Ctr., No. 1:17-cv-00040 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 24, 2020).
- Gonzalez v. Cnty. of Fresno, No. 1:18-cv-01558 (E.D. Cal. July 21, 2020).
- Taylor v. Cnty. of Calaveras, No. 1:18-cv-00760 (E.D. Cal. Dec. 17, 2020).
- Guthrie v. Garland, No. 1:18-cv-00282 (E.D. Cal. May 17, 2021).
- Brignac v. Yelp Inc., No. 3:19-cv-01188 (N.D. Cal. Oct. 17, 2019).
- Swinton v. Dep't of Def., No. 3:18-cv-00381 (S.D. Cal. Jan. 17, 2020).
- Joshua Charles Acosta v. Y. Servin, No. 3:20-cv-02225, 2021 WL 718599 (S.D. Cal. Feb. 24, 2021).
- Lane v. Wilkie, No. 3:19-cv-01918 (S.D. Cal. July 30, 2021).
- Steingruber v. Battelle Energy All., LLC, No. 4:20-cv-00420 (D. Idaho July 7, 2023).
- Columbia River Mining Supplies LLC v. Colter Young Consulting & Design, No. 1:20-cv-00384 (D. Idaho June 9, 2023).
- Wilkins v. Brandman Univ., No. 3:17-cv-01099 (D. Or. Aug. 5, 2019).
- Bokenfohr v. Gladen, No. 3:17-cv-01870 (D. Or. Aug. 22, 2019).
- Kuznetsov v. Zamrrira, No. 2:20-cv-01942 (D. Or. Oct. 6, 2022).
- Brown v. Lane Cnty., No. 6:21-cv-01866 (D. Or. June 5, 2024).
- Gergawy v. United States Bakery Inc, No. 2:19-cv-00417 (E.D. Wash. Feb. 16, 2021).
- Nahum v. Boeing Co., No. 2:19-cv-01114, 2020 WL 7695691 (W.D. Wash. Dec. 28, 2020).
- Bungie Inc v. Aimjunkies.com, No. 2:21-cv-00811 (W.D. Wash. Oct. 16, 2023).
- Jason Thor Leonard v. California State Prison Sacramento, No. 2:22-cv-01231 (E.D. Cal. Nov. 19, 2025).
- Vangerwen, No. 2:20-cv-00246 (E.D. Cal. Sept. 8, 2026).
- Wilkey v. Cnty. of Orange, 295 F. Supp. 3d 1086 (C.D. Cal. 2017).published
- Little Butte Prop. Owners Water Ass'n v. Bradley, 332 F. Supp. 3d 1289 (E.D. Wash. 2018).published
- Belluomini, No. 2:22-cv-02242 (E.D. Cal. Oct. 2, 2025).“A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his 17 favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment.”
At page 927 Review of summary judgment on deceptive marketing claims84 citing casesthe nonmoving party who bears the ultimate burden of proof on an issue may oppose summary judgment by relying on affidavits
- In re Koi Design LLC v. Marron Lawyers, Apc, No. 23-55704 (9th Cir. Aug. 6, 2026).published When the moving party satisfies its initial burden, “‘the burden shifts to the non-moving party to set forth, by affidavit or as otherwise provided in Rule 56, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.’” Fed. Trade Co…
- Kaplan v. State of Oregon, No. 3:23-cv-00846 (D. Or. Aug. 21, 2024).Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Nw. Env't Advocates v. United States Env't Prot. Agency, No. 3:21-cv-01136 (D. Or. Aug. 20, 2024).Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Gutta Jr. v. Sedgwick Claims Mgmt. Servs., Inc., No. 3:22-cv-01145 (D. Or. Jan. 9, 2024).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks omitted).
- Hollis v. SKC Inv., Inc., No. 3:22-cv-00920 (D. Or. Dec. 26, 2023).Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Garza v. City of Salem, 690 F. Supp. 3d 1188 (D. Or. 2023).publishedOnce the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Nat'l Sur. Corp. v. TIG Ins. Co., No. 3:21-cv-00266 (D. Or. July 3, 2023).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks omitted).
- Sound Found. v. SCI Fund II, LLC, 658 F. Supp. 3d 929 (D. Or. 2023).published Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Nat'l Sur. Corp. v. TIG Ins. Co., No. 3:21-cv-00266, 2022 WL 16694733 (D. Or. Nov. 2, 2022).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks omitted).
- Abney v. Gates, No. 6:21-cv-01571 (D. Or. Oct. 3, 2022).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal quotation marks omitted).
Show 74 more citing cases
- Leonard v. Tegna, Inc., No. 3:20-cv-01612 (S.D. Cal. Mar. 22, 2022).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009). 6 “This burden is not a light one.” Oracle, 627 F.3d at 387 .
- Leonard v. Tegna, Inc., No. 3:20-cv-01612 (S.D. Cal. Mar. 8, 2022).Trade Comm’n v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 927-28 (9th Cir. 2009). 3 “This burden is not a light one.” Oracle, 627 F.3d at 387 .
- Alba v. Amsberry, No. 2:20-cv-00545 (D. Or. Oct. 29, 2021).Once the moving party meets its initial burden of demonstrating the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, the burden then shifts to the nonmoving party to present “specific facts” showing a “genuine issue for trial.” Fed. Trade Comm…
- Florer v. Congregation Pidyon Shevuyim, NA, 639 F.3d 916 (9th Cir. 2010).published
- Henry Manjarres v. Oregon Dep't of Transp., 388 F. App'x 704 (9th Cir. 2010).unpublished
- Devin Harmon v. Martin Marshal, 391 F. App'x 632 (9th Cir. 2010).unpublished
- U.S. Equal Emp. Opportunity Comm'n v. UPS Supply Chain Solutions, 620 F.3d 1103 (9th Cir. 2010).published
- Lemuel Hentz v. Pam Ceniga, 402 F. App'x 214 (9th Cir. 2010).unpublished
- United States v. Hawaii Pac. Health, 409 F. App'x 133 (9th Cir. 2010).unpublished
- Brian Banks, Sr. v. Deschutes Cnty., 408 F. App'x 94 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished
- Louis Cosco v. Debi Lightsey, 411 F. App'x 959 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished
- Florer v. Congregation Pidyon Shevuyim, N.A., 639 F.3d 916 (9th Cir. 2011).published
- Dennis Gallagher v. Terry Holt, 436 F. App'x 754 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished
- Sec. & Exch. Comm'n v. Todd, 642 F.3d 1207 (9th Cir. 2011).published
- Alpha Delta Chi-Delta Chapter v. Reed, 648 F.3d 790 (9th Cir. 2011).published
- Fossen v. Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Montana, Inc., 660 F.3d 1102 (9th Cir. 2011).published
- Aaron Roth v. Cnty. of Maricopa, 461 F. App'x 589 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished
- Crowley v. Nevada ex rel. Nevada Sec'y, 678 F.3d 730 (9th Cir. 2012).published
- Thomas Avina v. United States, 681 F.3d 1127 (9th Cir. 2012).published
- Copeland-Turner v. Wells Fargo Bank, N.A., 800 F. Supp. 2d 1132 (D. Or. 2011).published
- Phillip Reed v. Sergio Jimenez, 564 F. App'x 279 (9th Cir. 2014).unpublished
- Phillip Reed v. Lee Baca, 564 F. App'x 880 (9th Cir. 2014).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Grant Connect, LLC, 763 F.3d 1094 (9th Cir. 2014).published
- Nrdc v. Usdot, No. 12-56467 (9th Cir. Oct. 30, 2014).published
- In re Swift Instruments, Inc., No. NC-11-1426-DHSa, 2012 WL 762833 (B.A.P. 9th Cir. Mar. 8, 2012).unpublished
- Sharon Hulihan v. Circle K Stores, 462 F. App'x 751 (9th Cir. 2011).unpublished
- Cervantes v. Emerald Cascade Restaurant Sys., Inc., 644 F. App'x 780 (9th Cir. 2016).unpublished
- Adrian Fuller v. Jeh Johnson, 709 F. App'x 847 (9th Cir. 2017).unpublished
- Vincent Paul Melendrez v. Michael Compston, 708 F. App'x 359 (9th Cir. 2017).unpublished
- Winding Creek Solar LLC v. Carla Peterman, 932 F.3d 861 (9th Cir. 2019).published
- FTC v. Omics Grp. Inc., No. 19-15738 (9th Cir. Sept. 11, 2020).unpublished
- Brooks v. Capistrano Unified Sch. Dist., 1 F. Supp. 3d 1029 (C.D. Cal. 2014).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. AMG Servs., Inc., 29 F. Supp. 3d 1338 (D. Nev. 2014).published
- T.L. ex rel. Lowry v. Sherwood Charter Sch., 68 F. Supp. 3d 1295 (D. Or. 2014).published
- Lewis v. Fed. Aviation Admin., 83 F. Supp. 3d 949 (D. Or. 2015).published
- Hoy v. Yamhill Cnty., 107 F. Supp. 3d 1078 (D. Or. 2015).published
- Myers v. Allstate Indem. Co., 109 F. Supp. 3d 1331 (C.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Portland Gen. Elec. Co. v. Liberty Mut. Ins., 112 F. Supp. 3d 1160 (D. Or. 2015).published
- Harp v. Kaiser Found. Health Plan, Inc., 133 F. Supp. 3d 1248 (D. Or. 2015).published
- Davis v. Con-Way Freight Inc., 139 F. Supp. 3d 1224 (D. Or. 2015).published
- Skedco, Inc. v. Strategic Operations, Inc., 154 F. Supp. 3d 1099 (D. Or. 2015).published
- LNV Corp. v. Fauley, 178 F. Supp. 3d 1043 (D. Or. 2016).published
- Hurst v. First Student, Inc., 181 F. Supp. 3d 827 (D. Or. 2016).published
- Columbia Sportswear North Am., Inc. v. Seirus Innovative Accessories, 202 F. Supp. 3d 1186 (D. Or. 2016).published
- Colony Ins. Co. v. Victory Constr. LLC, 239 F. Supp. 3d 1279 (D. Or. 2017).published
- Global Exec. Mgmt. Solutions, Inc. v. Int'l Bus. Machines Corp., 260 F. Supp. 3d 1345 (D. Or. 2017).published
- Florer v. Congregation Pidyon Shevuyim, N.A., 603 F.3d 1118 (9th Cir. 2010).published
- Crowley v. ex rel. Nevada Sec'y of State, 678 F.3d 730 (9th Cir. 2012).published
- Nat. Resources Def. Council, Inc. v. U.S. Dep't of Transp., 770 F.3d 1260 (9th Cir. 2014).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Com. Planet, Inc., 815 F.3d 593 (9th Cir. 2016).published
- Waldron v. Huber (In re Huber), 493 B.R. 798 (Bankr. W.D. Wash. 2013).published
- Ellis v. Mirghanbari (In re Pittman), 540 B.R. 451 (Bankr. W.D. Wash. 2015).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Burnlounge, Inc., 584 F. App'x 315 (9th Cir. 2014).unpublished
- Ortega-Melendres v. Arpaio, 836 F. Supp. 2d 959 (D. Ariz. 2011).published
- Audubon Soc'y v. United States Nat. Resources Conservation Serv., 841 F. Supp. 2d 1182 (D. Or. 2012).published
- Garrett v. New Hampshire Ins., 860 F. Supp. 2d 1203 (D. Or. 2012).published
- DG Cogen Partners, LLC v. Lane Powell PC, 917 F. Supp. 2d 1123 (D. Or. 2013).published
- DeBiaso v. Spitz, 957 F. Supp. 2d 1213 (D. Or. 2013).published
- Shepherd v. McGee, 986 F. Supp. 2d 1211 (D. Or. 2013).published
- San Diego Branch of Nat'l Ass'n For The Advancement of Colored People, No. 3:16-cv-02575 (S.D. Cal. June 14, 2022).
- Humphers v. McElroy, No. 2:17-cv-01178 (D. Or. Aug. 29, 2019).
- Hoffman v. Peters, No. 2:18-cv-00720 (D. Or. Sept. 16, 2019).
- Walsh v. Gaffney, No. 2:18-cv-00098 (D. Or. Mar. 9, 2020).
- Bursell v. Peters, No. 2:18-cv-01978 (D. Or. Apr. 8, 2020).
- J. Lilly, LLC v. Clearspan Fabric Structures Int'l, Inc., No. 3:18-cv-01104, 2020 WL 1855190 (D. Or. Apr. 13, 2020).
- Elifritz v. Fender, 460 F. Supp. 3d 1088 (D. Or. 2020).published
- Perez v. Nooth, No. 2:18-cv-01244 (D. Or. June 5, 2020).
- Opal Labs Inc. v. Sprinklr, Inc., No. 3:18-cv-01192 (D. Or. Sept. 2, 2020).
- Cederberg v. Legacy Health, No. 3:18-cv-02044 (D. Or. Sept. 28, 2020).
- Gomez v. Peters, No. 2:18-cv-01607 (D. Or. Dec. 23, 2020).
- Mendoza v. Bell, No. 2:18-cv-01663 (D. Or. Mar. 28, 2021).
- Werby v. Legore, No. 2:18-cv-01828 (D. Or. Mar. 29, 2021).
- Konecny v. Vaafusuaga, No. 2:18-cv-01842 (D. Or. Mar. 29, 2021).
- Konecny v. Brown, No. 2:18-cv-01385 (D. Or. Mar. 29, 2021).
At page 931 Determining individual liability and awarding consumer restitution32 citing cases“cjourts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant's profits.”
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. RCA Credit Servs., LLC, 727 F. Supp. 2d 1320 (M.D. Fla. 2010).published ([B]ecause the FTC Act is designed to protect consumers from economic injuries, courts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant’s profits.)
- Swish Mktg., Inc. v. Fed. Trade Comm'n, 669 F. Supp. 2d 72 (D.D.C. 2009).publishedSee Stefanchik, 559 F.3d at 932 (“[Cjourts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant’s profits.”).
- Terry v. Wasatch Advantage Grp., LLC, No. 2:15-cv-00799 (E.D. Cal. Feb. 1, 2024).In 12 addition, because defendants have not provided “affirmative evidence to create a fact issue,” 13 F.T.C. v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 931 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal citation omitted), the court 14 grants plaintiffs’ motion for summary…
- C.F.P.B. v. Jawad Nesheiwat, No. 21-56052, 2022 WL 17958636 (9th Cir. Dec. 27, 2022).unpublishedNesheiwat is individually liable for corporate violations of the TSR because “(1) he participated directly in the [unlawful] acts or had the authority to control them and (2) he had knowledge of [such conduct] . . . or was aware of a high…
- C.F.P.B. v. Cashcall, Inc., 35 F.4th 734 (9th Cir. 2022).published We have held that an individual is liable for a corporation’s violation of the CFPA if “(1) he participated directly in the deceptive acts or had the authority to control them and (2) he had knowledge of the misrepresentations, was reckles…
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Ivy Capital, Inc., No. 2:11-cv-00283 (D. Nev. Mar. 9, 2022).N. Singer, Inc., 668 F.2d 1107, 1112-13 (9th Cir. 1982), then citing FTC v. Stefanchik, 16 559 F.3d 924, 931 (9th Cir. 2009))). 17 Consistent with that order, this court entered judgment against movants on July 5, 2013. 18 (ECF No. 409).
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Com. Planet, Inc., 815 F.3d 593 (9th Cir. 2016).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Burnlounge, Inc., 584 F. App'x 315 (9th Cir. 2014).unpublished
- Consum. Fin. Prot. v. Chance Gordon, 819 F.3d 1179 (9th Cir. 2016).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Com. Planet, Inc., 878 F. Supp. 2d 1048 (C.D. Cal. 2012).published
Show 21 more citing cases
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Inc21.com Corp., 745 F. Supp. 2d 975 (N.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Network Servs. Depot, Inc., 617 F.3d 1127 (9th Cir. 2010).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Trudeau, 662 F.3d 947 (7th Cir. 2011).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Inc21.com Corp., 475 F. App'x 106 (9th Cir. 2012).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. EDebitPay, LLC, 695 F.3d 938 (9th Cir. 2012).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Loanpointe, LLC, 525 F. App'x 696 (10th Cir. 2013).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Publishers Bus. Servs., Inc., 540 F. App'x 555 (9th Cir. 2013).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Medlab, Inc., 615 F. Supp. 2d 1068 (N.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Joseph Gen. Contracting, Inc. v. Couto, 119 A.3d 570 (Conn. 2015).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Ivy Capital, Inc., 616 F. App'x 360 (9th Cir. 2015).unpublished
- FTC v. Charles Gugliuzza, No. 12-57064 (9th Cir. Mar. 3, 2016).published
- C.F.T.C. v. James Crombie, 914 F.3d 1208 (9th Cir. 2019).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Partners in Health Care Ass'n, 189 F. Supp. 3d 1356 (S.D. Fla. 2016).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Omics Grp. Inc., 374 F. Supp. 3d 994 (D. Nev. 2019).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Gugliuzza, 527 B.R. 370 (C.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Com. Planet, Inc., 642 F. App'x 680 (9th Cir. 2016).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Leanspa, LLC, 920 F. Supp. 2d 270 (D. Conn. 2013).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. NHS Sys., Inc., 936 F. Supp. 2d 520 (E.D. Pa. 2013).published
- Makaeff v. Trump Univ., LLC, 309 F.R.D. 631 (S.D. Cal. 2015).published
- Consum. Fin. Prot. Bureau v. Global Fin. Support, Inc., No. 3:15-cv-02440 (S.D. Cal. Mar. 26, 2021).
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. AMG Servs., Inc., No. 2:12-cv-00536 (D. Nev. Sept. 3, 2021).
At page 928 Determining deceptive acts under the FTC Act17 citing casesnoting that a material omission may violate § 5
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. RCA Credit Servs., LLC, 727 F. Supp. 2d 1320 (M.D. Fla. 2010).published Corp., 87 F.3d at 467-68 (affirming an award of consumer redress as calculated by consumers’ losses and an order of disgorgement to the Treasury); FTC v. Febre, 128 F.3d 530 , 536 (7th Cir.1997) (“Courts have regularly awarded, as equitabl…
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Credit Glory LLC, No. 2:26-cv-05387 (D. Ariz. Sept. 4, 2026).Legal Standard 9 “Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibits . . . unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or 10 affecting commerce.” FTC v. Stefanchik, 559 F.3d 924, 928 (9th Cir. 2009) (internal 11 quotations omitted) (citing 15 U.S.C. § 45 (a)…
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Fin. Freedom Processing, Inc., 538 F. App'x 488 (5th Cir. 2013).unpublished
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Inc21.com Corp., 688 F. Supp. 2d 927 (N.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Asis Internet Servs. v. Consumerbargaingiveaways, LLC, 622 F. Supp. 2d 935 (N.D. Cal. 2009).published
- Consum. Fin. Prot. v. Chance Gordon, 819 F.3d 1179 (9th Cir. 2016).published
- FTC v. Amg Capital Mgmt., LLC, 910 F.3d 417 (9th Cir. 2018).published
- FTC v. Hoyal & Assocs., Inc., No. 19-35668 (9th Cir. June 11, 2021).unpublished
- United States v. Zaken Corp., 57 F. Supp. 3d 1233 (C.D. Cal. 2014).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Johnson, 96 F. Supp. 3d 1110 (D. Nev. 2015).published
Show 7 more citing cases
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. John Beck Amazing Profits, LLC, 865 F. Supp. 2d 1052 (C.D. Cal. 2012).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Com. Planet, Inc., 878 F. Supp. 2d 1048 (C.D. Cal. 2012).published
- Robertson v. GMAC Mortg. LLC, 982 F. Supp. 2d 1202 (W.D. Wash. 2013).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. AMG Servs., Inc., 291 F.R.D. 544 (D. Nev. 2013).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Tate's Auto Ctr. of Winslow Incorporation, No. 3:18-cv-08176 (D. Ariz. Feb. 5, 2021).
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. SuperTherm Inc., No. 3:20-cv-08190 (D. Ariz. Aug. 5, 2021).
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Lead Express, Inc., No. 2:20-cv-00840 (D. Nev. Sept. 13, 2021).
At page 930 Determining seller liability under telemarketing regulations4 citing cases“under the ftc act, a principal is liable for misrepresentations made by its agents regardless of any efforts of the principal to prevent such misrepresentations.”
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Inc21.com Corp., 688 F. Supp. 2d 927 (N.D. Cal. 2010).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Publishers Bus. Servs., Inc., 821 F. Supp. 2d 1205 (D. Nev. 2010).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Amazon.com, Inc., 71 F. Supp. 3d 1158 (W.D. Wash. 2014).published
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Lifewatch Inc., 176 F. Supp. 3d 757 (N.D. Ill. 2016).published
At page 932 Affirming liability for full consumer loss amount4 citing cases[C]ourts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant's profits.
- Swish Mktg., Inc. v. Fed. Trade Comm'n, 669 F. Supp. 2d 72 (D.D.C. 2009).published([Cjourts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant’s profits.)
- Fed. Trade Comm'n v. Trudeau, 579 F.3d 754 (7th Cir. 2009).published
- FTC v. Kevin Trudeau, No. 08-4249 (7th Cir. Aug. 27, 2009).published
v.
John STEFANCHIK, Individually and as an Officer and Director of Beringer Corporation; Beringer Corporation, a Washington Corporation Doing Business as Stefanchik Organization, Defendants-Appellants
[*926] OPINION
REAVLEY, Senior Circuit Judge:We must decide in this case whether the district court correctly granted summary judgment to the Federal Trade Commission (“FTC”) in this suit brought against John Stefanchik and Beringer Corporation under the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Telemarketing Sales Rule. The FTC alleged that the defendants made false and deceptive claims while marketing a program purporting to teach purchasers how to become wealthy by buying and selling privately held mortgages. Concluding that the defendants failed to meet the FTC’s overwhelming evidence of deceptive claims with evidence to create a triable issue of fact, we AFFIRM the district court’s judgment.
I.
John Stefanchik is the author of a book entitled Wealth Without Boundaries. The purpose of the book, as well as related video and audio tapes, course materials, and work-shops, was to present Stefan-chik’s method for making substantial amounts of money by working very few hours in one’s spare time. Stefanchik’s method called for a person to search local real estate records, locate holders of privately held mortgages, or “paper,” and then either purchase the paper or broker deals with companies interested in purchasing the paper. Stefanchik touted his method in direct mail marketing materials as “[t]he easiest way to make $10,-000 + + + every 30 days ... guaranteed.”
In 2002 Stefanchik organized the Ber-inger Corporation as a Washington state corporation with himself as the president, director, and sole shareholder. Beringer in turn holds the copyrights to Stefanchik’s book and other material that comprise the “Stefanchik Program.” Stefanchik also entered into an oral agreement with Justin Ely of Atlas Marketing, Inc. for Atlas to market the Stefanchik Program and handle customer service. According to Atlas’ president, Scott Christensen, Atlas’ sole business was to sell products and services for Stefanchik and Beringer under the name “The Stefanchik Organization.” Atlas promoted the Stefanchik Program through direct mail, telemarketing, and a website, and it paid Stefanchik and Bering-er a royalty of 15% to 22% of the sales.
Atlas used direct mail to generate interest in Stefanchik’s book, which sold for a nominal amount. Many of the materials included Stefanchik’s picture and signature and claimed that purchasers could easily make $10,000 or more per month by using his method. Those who purchased the book were then targeted for telemarketing calls and urged to purchase more services and instruction in the form of printed material, videos, seminars, and “coaching” services. The telemarketers assured potential purchasers that by using the Ste-fanchik method they could make $3,000 to $5,000 per deal by working only five to ten hours per week and that privately held mortgages were easily found. They also told purchasers that a personal coach would be available to answer questions and provide assistance. The cost to individual purchasers for the program ranged from $3,000 to over $8,000.
The FTC filed a complaint against Ste-fanchik and Beringer, as well as Atlas, Ely, Christensen, and another corporate entity controlled by Ely. [1] The FTC alleged that the defendants violated the Federal Trade Commission Act (“FTC Act”), 15 U.S.C. § 45(a), by making false, mislead[*927] ing, and deceptive claims that consumers could quickly make large amounts of money in their spare time by purchasing the Stefanchik Program and that the coaches were experienced and readily available to assist them in the paper business. It also alleged that the defendants violated the Telemarketing Sales Rule (“TSR”), 16 C.F.R. § 310.3(a)(2)(iii) and (a)(4), by making these misleading representations.
In support of a motion for summary judgment, the FTC introduced evidence tending to show that, contrary to Stefan-chik’s marketing claims, it was in fact very difficult for individuals to amass wealth using the Stefanchik method, and that the claims of making substantial amounts of money in one’s spare time were deceptive and misleading. The FTC’s evidence included declarations from individual consumers who purchased the program only to find that the method was extremely time consuming and yielded little, if any, profit. The FTC also introduced the following: survey results from a marketing expert showing that only a small percentage of customers were able to broker deals using Stefanchik’s method; a declaration from a former Stefanchik coach who averred that few consumers made money using the program and that Stefanchik had been informed that the telemarketers were misleading consumers; and evidence from Beringer’s company database that also showed a lack of results by consumers.
In opposing summary judgment, Stefan-chik and Beringer challenged the FTC’s method of compiling the survey data but did not offer any consumer declarations, contrary survey information, or other evidence showing that the followers of the Stefanchik method actually amassed substantial wealth as claimed in the marketing material. The district court concluded that the FTC’s consumer declarations and survey, as well as the defendants’ own advertising and marketing materials, were sufficient to show that the defendants made false and unsubstantiated earnings claims that led consumers to believe they could earn large amounts of money in the paper business with little or no effort. The court concluded that the coaching claims were also deceptive because the evidence showed that the coaches lacked basic knowledge of the real estate industry and were unable to help the consumers with questions. The court determined that Beringer and Stefanchik were jointly and severally liable under the FTC Act and the TSR for misrepresentations in marketing the program. In addition to ordering injunctive relief, the court determined that the damages amounted to $17,775,369 and entered judgment for that amount.
II.
Stefanchik and Beringer challenge the district court’s grant of summary judgment on both liability and damages. Our standard of review is a familiar one. We review de novo the district court’s grant of summary judgment. McDonald v. Sun Oil Co. 2 We view the evidence in a light most favorable to the non-moving party and decide whether there are any genuine issues of material fact and whether the district court correctly applied the substantive law. FTC v. Gill. 3
A party moving for summary judgment must initially identify “those portions of ‘the pleadings, depositions, answers to interrogatories, and admissions on file, together with the affidavits, if any,’ which it believes demonstrate the absence of a genuine issue of material fact.” Celotex Corp. v. Catrett. [4] “Once the moving party meets[*928] its initial burden, however, the burden shifts to the non-moving party to set forth, by affidavit or as otherwise provided in Rule 56, specific facts showing that there is a genuine issue for trial.” Horphag Research Ltd. v. Garcia. [5]
A.
Section 5 of the FTC Act prohibits, inter alia, “unfair or deceptive acts or practices in or affecting commerce.” [6] “An act or practice is deceptive if ‘first, there is a representation, omission, or practice that, second, is likely to mislead consumers acting reasonably under the circumstances, and third, the representation, omission, or practice is material.’ ” [7] Deception may be found based on the “net impression” created by a representation. FTC v. Cyberspace.Com LLC. 8
Stefanchik and Beringer contend that the FTC failed to meet its burden of proof on summary judgment. They challenge the survey results of the FTC’s expert and assert that opinions from their own experts created a fact issue for trial. We disagree with these contentions.
The FTC’s summary judgment evidence included voluminous examples of the Ste-fanchik advertising and telemarketing materials. The evidence gave the net impression that by working only five to ten hours per week, a consumer easily could earn $10,000 per month using Stefanchik’s method to broker deals in the paper business. Consumers were promised that sa-leable paper was easily discovered and that they would have access to competent personal coaches to guide them in the business. However, the FTC submitted declarations from multiple individuals who averred that, upon purchasing Stefanchik’s program, they discovered it was virtually impossible to locate privately held mortgages that could be re-sold within the short time period promised by the marketing materials and that the coaches Stefan-chik provided to assist them were of little help.
The FTC’s survey results, which were compiled by a marketing expert from American University, were consistent with the individual declarations. The survey was sent to a random sample of 1,002 customers. Out of 380 responses indicating the consumer had purchased the program and had not received a refund, only one person reported buying or selling at least one mortgage and making money on the deal. Approximately 92% of the respondents said they made no money from the program, and only 6% said their personal coach was useful or very useful.
The FTC’s evidence further included a declaration from Amanda Schaufler, a former Stefanchik coach with no prior real estate experience. Schaufler stated that many of her customers complained that they were told they could make money quickly and recoup their payment for the program before their credit card bills became due. She stated that in reality few customers made money using the Stefan-chik Program, and that for those who did, it took far more than five to ten hours per week and always more than 30 days. She further stated that Stefanchik knew that sales representatives were creating unrealistic expectations and overselling the program because, in addition to the existence of documented complaints in the company database, she and other coaches informed Stefanchik about their concerns that sales representatives were misleading customers.
[*929] Finally, the FTC presented evidence from one of its investigators who examined almost 8,000 customer records in Bering-er’s database, including notes made by coaches about customer contact. The investigator found that the notes showed 153 customers had submitted deals to potential paper buyers. Out of that total, 68 had their deals rejected, 77 did not have conclusive comments regarding either acceptance or rejection, and only 8 customers had successfully completed a deal.
Stefanchik and Beringer complain that the district court improperly relied on the FTC’s expert and survey results because the defendants introduced opinions from two experts who criticized the FTC’s survey methodology. These opposing experts opined that the FTC’s survey was biased and unreliable. We find no fact issue created, however.
In order to avoid summary judgment, a non-movant must show a genuine issue of material fact by presenting affirmative evidence from which a jury could find in his favor. Anderson v. Liberty Lobby, Inc. 9 A non-movant’s bald assertions or a mere scintilla of evidence in his favor are both insufficient to withstand summary judgment. Galen v. County of Los Angeles. 10 Here, Stefanchik and Beringer contest the methodology of the FTC’s survey and assert that issues of fact exist, but they do not contest the truth or validity of the individual responses reported in the survey. They offered no competent affirmative evidence of their own, either in the form of survey results, contrary consumer declarations, sworn affidavits, or testimony, to identify consumers who were able to make substantial amounts of money using the Stefanchik method as claimed in the marketing materials.
Stefanchik asserts in his pro se brief that he conducted his own survey of fifty consumers, which purportedly provides a more accurate picture of his program than the FTC’s survey. He cites no record evidence in support of his argument, however, and his bald assertion is unavailing. [11] The FTC was not required to show that all consumers were deceived, see FTC v. Figgie International, Inc., 12 but it offered substantial evidence that the marketing claims used to sell Stefanchik’s program were deceptive and misleading to an overwhelming number of consumers. Given the voluminous evidence showing that very few people made money using the Stefanchik Program as promised in the advertising materials and telemarketing pitches, or were satisfied with their personal coaches, and the absence of significantly probative contrary evidence from Stefanchik and Beringer, we conclude that the district court correctly granted summary judgment on the FTC Act claim because the marketing material made misrepresentations in a manner likely to mislead reasonable consumers. [13]
The same conclusion holds true for the district court’s finding that the defen[*930] dants violated the TSR. Congress directed the FTC to create rules barring deceptive telemarketing acts and practices. [14] In response to this directive, the TSR prohibits “any seller or telemarketer” from misrepresenting “[a]ny material aspect of the performance, efficacy, nature, or central characteristics of goods or services that are the subject of a sales offer.” [15] It further prohibits both sellers and telemarketers from “[m]aking a false or misleading statement to induce any person to pay for goods or services....” [16] As we concluded above, the representations made about the Stefanchik Program were materially misleading insofar as they misrepresented consumers’ earning potential and the availability of coaches, and those misrepresentations made via telemarketing were thus subject to enforcement as violations of both the TSR and the FTC Act. [17]
Beringer and Stefanchik contend that they are not liable for telemarketing claims made by Atlas, which is an independent legal entity based in Salt Lake City, Utah. They assert that they made no telemarketing calls, and that Atlas and Ely were solely responsible for the telemarketing scripts and the actions of the sales representatives. We are not persuaded. As noted above, the TSR applies to “any seller or telemarketer.” [18] A “seller” is defined as “any person who, in connection with a telemarketing transaction, provides, offers to provide, or arranges for others to provide goods or services to the customer in exchange for consideration.” [19] Here, it is undisputed that Stefanchik, on behalf of Beringer, entered into an agreement with Ely and Atlas for Atlas to conduct the telemarketing and sales of the Stefanchik Program. The record shows that Stefan-chik retained authority to review and approve all marketing materials and made the decision as to what products were sold through the program. Stefanchik’s counsel further reviewed the telemarketing scripts. We conclude that the district court correctly found Stefanchik and Ber-inger to be sellers under the TSR and properly granted summary judgment on this issue.
B.
A related issue is the corporate and individual liability of Beringer and Stefanchik, respectively. We conclude that the district court correctly determined that Beringer was subject to liability as a principal for the actions of Atlas as its agent. Under the FTC Act, a principal is liable for the misrepresentations of his agent acting within the scope of the agent’s actual or apparent authority. Southwest Sunsites, Inc. v. FTC. 20 The record shows that Atlas acted with at least the apparent, and likely actual, authority of Beringer. Atlas used the name “The Stefanchik Organization” to advertise and sell products and services for Stefanchik and Beringer as its sole business. Stefanchik’s picture and signature appeared on much of the marketing materials, which was subject to Stefanchik’s review and approval. Furthermore, Stefan-chik acknowledged that consumers often perceived Atlas and his company as one[*931] seamless operation. The lines between Atlas and Beringer were blurred to such an extent that Atlas’s conduct and representations had at least the apparent imprimatur of Beringer. [21]
Stefanchik contends that the FTC failed to prove he is liable in his individual capacity. An individual will be liable for corporate violations of the FTC Act if (1) he participated directly in the deceptive acts or had the authority to control them and (2) he had knowledge of the misrepresentations, was recklessly indifferent to the truth or falsity of the misrepresentation, or was aware of a high probability of fraud along with an intentional avoidance of the truth. [22] The evidence showed that Stefanchik controlled all the business activity of Beringer as the owner, sole shareholder, director, and manager of the company. He also had the authority-both individually and through counsel-to control the marketing activity and representations about his product. He was also at least recklessly indifferent to the truth or falsity of the sales claims. There was evidence that Stefanchik was advised by his counsel after reviewing the telemarketing scripts that he needed to substantiate the sales claims. He was also informed by Amanda Sehaufler and other coaches that the sales representatives were misleading consumers. The district court correctly determined that Stefanchik should be personally liable.
C.
We next turn to Stefanchik’s and Beringer’s contention that the evidence does not support the district court’s finding of over $17 million in damages. The district court has broad authority under the FTC Act to “grant any ancillary relief necessary to accomplish complete justice,” including the power to order restitution. FTC v. Pantron I Corp. [23] We review the district court’s grant of equitable monetary relief for an abuse of discretion. Grosz-Salomon v. Paul Revere Life Ins. Co. 24
We stress again that on summary judgment the movant must show the absence of a genuine issue of material fact, while the non-movant must meet that showing with affirmative evidence to create a fact issue. [25] Here, the FTC presented a declaration from Atlas’ president that the net sales for Atlas during the two and one-half years that it processed sales for Stefanchik were $17,775,369. It also submitted a report from Atlas’ accounting database reporting this amount. Stefanchik and Ber-inger have offered no affirmative evidence whatsoever to controvert this amount.
We are unpersuaded by the defendants’ assertion that they should not be liable for the full amount of Atlas’ sales because Atlas paid them only a percentage as a royalty. Equity may require a defendant to restore his victims to the status quo where the loss suffered is greater than the defendant’s unjust enrichment. [26] Moreover, because the FTC Act is designed to protect consumers from economic injuries, courts have often awarded the full amount lost by consumers rather than limiting damages to a defendant’s profits. [27] Ste-[*932] fanchik and Beringer were the driving force behind the marketing scheme for the Stefanchik Program, with authority to control its key components, and they benefited significantly from the sales induced by material misrepresentations. We conclude that the district court did not abuse its discretion by holding the defendants liable for the full amount of loss incurred by consumers.
The district court’s judgment is AFFIRMED.
. All defendants except for Stefanchik and Beringer entered into a stipulated judgment and are not part of tire present appeal.
. 548 F.3d 774, 778 (9th Cir.2008).
. 265 F.3d 944, 954 (9th Cir.2001).
.477 U.S. 317, 323, 106 S.Ct. 2548, 2553, 91 L.Ed.2d 265 (1986).
. 475 F.3d 1029, 1035 (9th Cir.2007) (internal quotation marks and citation omitted).
. 15 U.S.C. § 45(a)(1).
. Gill, 265 F.3d at 950 (citation omitted).
. 453 F.3d 1196, 1200 (9th Cir.2006).
. 477 U.S. 242, 257, 106 S.Ct. 2505, 2514, 91 L.Ed.2d 202 (1986).
. 477 F.3d 652, 658 (9th Cir.2007); see also FTC v. Publishing Clearing House, Inc., 104 F.3d 1168, 1170 (9th Cir.1997) (“Once the FTC has made a prima facie case for summary judgment, the defendant cannot rely on general denials; she must produce significant probative evidence that demonstrates that there is a genuine issue of material fact for trial.”).
. See Galen, 477 F.3d at 658.
. 994 F.2d 595, 605-06 (9th Cir.1993); see also FTC v. Amy Travel Serv., Inc., 875 F.2d 564, 572 (7th Cir.1989) ("[T]he FTC need not prove that every consumer was injured. The existence of some satisfied customers does not constitute a defense under the FTCA.”).
. See Cyberspace.Com, 453 F.3d at 1201.
. 15 U.S.C. § 6102(a)(1).
. 16 C.F.R. § 310.3(a)(2)(iii).
. 16 C.F.R. § 310.3(a)(4).
. See 15 U.S.C. § 6105(b) (permitting the FTC to enforce violations of the TSR as though they were violations of the FTC Act).
. 16 C.F.R. § 310.3(a)(2)(iii).
. 16 C.F.R. § 310.2(z) (emphasis added).
. 785 F.2d 1431, 1438 (9th Cir.1986); see also Goodman v. FTC, 244 F.2d 584, 592 (9th Cir.1957).
. See Goodman, 244 F.2d at 592-93 ("The misrepresentations [the agents] made were at least within the apparent scope of their authority and part of the inducement by which were made sales that inured to the benefit of the corporate petitioner.” (internal quotation and citation omitted)).
. Cyberspace.Com, 453 F.3d at 1202.
. 33 F.3d 1088, 1102 (9th Cir.1994).
. 237 F.3d 1154, 1163 (9th Cir.2001).
. Celotex, 477 U.S. at 323, 106 S.Ct. at 2553; Anderson, 477 U.S. at 257, 106 S.Ct. at 2514.
. See, e.g., FTC v. Figgie Int’l, Inc., 994 F.2d 595, 606-07 (9th Cir.1993).
. See FTC v. Febre, 128 F.3d 530, 536 (7th Cir.1997).