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Ohio Revised Code

Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02 (2026)

Deceptive trade practice actions

✓ current as of May 2026
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Effective:
March 30, 1999
Latest Legislation:
Senate Bill 173 - 122nd General Assembly
PDF:
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(A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any of the following:

(1) Passes off goods or services as those of another;

(2) Causes likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding as to the source, sponsorship, approval, or certification of goods or services;

(3) Causes likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding as to affiliation, connection, or association with, or certification by, another;

(4) Uses deceptive representations or designations of geographic origin in connection with goods or services;

(5) Lists a fictitious business name in a local telephone directory that is published on or after the effective date of this amendment, in circumstances in which all of the following apply:

(a) The person's fictitious business name is not registered as a trade name with, or its use as a fictitious name has not been reported to, the secretary of state under sections 1329.01 to 1329.10 of the Revised Code.

(b) The person's listed fictitious business name misrepresents the geographic location of the person, because that name includes a reference to a political subdivision or another geographic area of this state, the person does not have business premises in that political subdivision or other geographic area from which the person sells, leases, rents, or otherwise provides particular goods or services in this state, and the person's use of that name causes a likelihood of confusion or misunderstanding by consumers as to the geographic location with which the consumers are dealing in the purchase, lease, rental, or other provision of, or will be dealing in the resolution of problems that may arise in connection with, particular goods or services.

(c) The local telephone directory listing of the person's fictitious business name does not identify the political subdivision and, if the person is not located in this state, the state in which are located the person's business premises with which consumers are dealing in the purchase, lease, rental, or other provision of, or will be dealing in the resolution of problems that may arise in connection with, particular goods or services.

(d) Telephone calls to the local telephone number listed for the person's fictitious business name routinely are forwarded or otherwise transferred to business premises of the person that are located outside the calling area covered by the local telephone directory.

(6) Lists a fictitious business name in a directory assistance database on or after the effective date of this amendment, the circumstances described in divisions (A)(5)(a) and (b) of this section apply regarding the person's listed fictitious business name, and telephone calls to the local telephone number listed for the person's fictitious business name routinely are forwarded or otherwise transferred to business premises of the person that are located outside the local calling area;

(7) Represents that goods or services have sponsorship, approval, characteristics, ingredients, uses, benefits, or quantities that they do not have or that a person has a sponsorship, approval, status, affiliation, or connection that the person does not have;

(8) Represents that goods are original or new if they are deteriorated, altered, reconditioned, reclaimed, used, or secondhand;

(9) Represents that goods or services are of a particular standard, quality, or grade, or that goods are of a particular style or model, if they are of another;

(10) Disparages the goods, services, or business of another by false representation of fact;

(11) Advertises goods or services with intent not to sell them as advertised;

(12) Makes false statements of fact concerning the reasons for, existence of, or amounts of price reductions;

(13) Advertises goods or services with intent not to supply reasonably expectable public demand, unless the advertisement discloses a limitation of quantity.

(B) In order to prevail in a civil action under section 4165.03 of the Revised Code that seeks injunctive relief or an award of damages and that is based on one or more deceptive trade practices listed in division (A) of this section, a complainant need not prove competition between the parties to the civil action.

(C) This section does not affect unfair trade practices that are otherwise actionable at common law or under other sections of the Revised Code.

(D) A telephone company, provider of directory assistance, publisher of a local telephone directory, or officer, employee, or agent of the company, provider, or publisher shall not be liable in a civil action under section 4165.03 of the Revised Code for publishing in any directory or directory assistance database the listing of a fictitious business name of a person who commits a deceptive trade practice that is listed in division (A) of this section unless the telephone company, provider of directory assistance, publisher of a local telephone directory, or officer, employee, or agent of the company, provider, or publisher is the person who committed the deceptive trade practice listed in division (A) of this section.
Notes of Decisions
Cited in 160 cases (58 in the last 5 years), 1973–2026 · leading case: Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990).
Sort: Relevance Newest Treatment
Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990). · cites it 15× “See Ohio Rev.Code Ann. § 4165.02 (Anderson 1980).”
Zinganything, LLC v. Imp. Store, 158 F. Supp. 3d 668 (N.D. Ohio 2016). · cites it 6× “§ 1125 (a) (SAC ¶¶ 77-81); and (6) engaged in unfair competition in violation of Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02 et seq. (SAC ¶¶ 82-83).”
Gascho v. Global Fitness Holdings, LLC, 863 F. Supp. 2d 677 (S.D. Ohio 2012). · cites it 8× “The DTPA states that “[a] person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person’s business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any of the following: [list of deceptive activities]” Ohio Rev.Code § 4165.02. The definition of “person” applies to this…”
Torrance v. Rom, 2020 Ohio 3971 (Ohio Ct. App. 2020). · cites it 5× “R.C. 4165.02 governs deceptive trade practices and lists numerous ways one can engage in such a practice.”
Lambert v. Kazinetz, 250 F. Supp. 2d 908 (S.D. Ohio 2003). · cites it 11× “Code section 4165.02 must be dismissed with respect to the conduct that occurred in Illinois.”
Heartland of Urbana OH, L.L.C. v. McHugh Fuller Law Grp., P.L.L.C., 2016 Ohio 6959 (Ohio Ct. App. 2016). · cites it 8× “{¶ 45} R.C. 4165.02 outlines various deceptive trade practices, and, as pertinent to the claims Heartland says it is making, states that: (A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any…”
Wooster Floral & Gifts, L.L.C. v. Green Thumb Floral & Garden Ctr., Inc. (Slip Opinion), 2020 Ohio 5614 (Ohio 2020). · cites it 13× “” If a party is likely to be damaged by a deceptive trade practice under R.C. 4165.02, a court may grant injunctive relief and award actual damages.”
Sky v. Van Der Westhuizen, 2019 Ohio 1960 (Ohio Ct. App. 2019). · cites it 8× “{¶97} The Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act is codified in R.C. §4165.02, and, as pertinent to the claims herein, states that: (A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any of the…”
McKinney v. Bayer Corp., 744 F. Supp. 2d 733 (N.D. Ohio 2010). · cites it 4× “Compare O.R.C. § 4165.02(A) with O.R.C. § 1345.02(B).”
Reed Elsevier, Inc. v. TheLaw. Net Corp., 269 F. Supp. 2d 942 (S.D. Ohio 2003). · cites it 8× “65 (Fourth Claim for Relief); (5) deceptive trade practices under Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02 (Fifth Claim for Relief); (6) trademark and trade name infringement under the common law of Ohio (Sixth Claim for Relief); (7) unfair competition under the common law of Ohio (Seventh…”
Barrios v. Am. Thermal Instruments, Inc., 712 F. Supp. 611 (S.D. Ohio 1988). · cites it 12× “Section 4165.02.” (Doc. #1, 1139). The allegations contained within Count III are also sufficient to make out a federal claim under the Lanham Trade-Mark Act, § 43(a), 15 U.”
Pierre Invests., Inc. v. CLE Capital Grp., Inc., 2022 Ohio 4311 (Ohio Ct. App. 2022). · cites it 5× “Chapter 4165, and alleges the following: (1) “Defendant’s false, deceptive and misleading statements about being a lender and in the loan commitment induced Plaintiff’s reliance on said statements”; (2) “Defendants have shipped/delivered the loan commitment through the channels…”
Show all 160 citing cases →
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(10) — 1 case
Sky v. Van Der Westhuizen, 2019 Ohio 1960 (Ohio Ct. App. 2019). “{¶97} The Ohio Deceptive Trade Practices Act is codified in R.C. §4165.02, and, as pertinent to the claims herein, states that: (A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any of the…”
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(7) — 1 case
3371 Reading, LLC v. Liberty Mut. Grp., Inc. (S.D. Ohio 2025).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A) — 20 cases
Lambert v. Kazinetz, 250 F. Supp. 2d 908 (S.D. Ohio 2003). “Code section 4165.02 must be dismissed with respect to the conduct that occurred in Illinois.”
McKinney v. Bayer Corp., 744 F. Supp. 2d 733 (N.D. Ohio 2010). “Compare O.R.C. § 4165.02(A) with O.R.C. § 1345.02(B).”
Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990). “See Ohio Rev.Code Ann. § 4165.02 (Anderson 1980).”
Allied Erecting & Dismantling Co. v. Genesis Equip. & Mfg., Inc., 649 F. Supp. 2d 702 (N.D. Ohio 2009).
Her, Inc. v. Re/MAX First Choice, LLC, 468 F. Supp. 2d 964 (S.D. Ohio 2007).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(1) — 11 cases
Max Rack, Inc. v. Core Health & Fitness, LLC, 40 F.4th 454 (6th Cir. 2022).
Lambert v. Kazinetz, 250 F. Supp. 2d 908 (S.D. Ohio 2003). “Code section 4165.02 must be dismissed with respect to the conduct that occurred in Illinois.”
In re Porsche Cars North Am., Inc., 880 F. Supp. 2d 801 (S.D. Ohio 2012).
Torrance v. Rom, 2020 Ohio 3971 (Ohio Ct. App. 2020). “R.C. 4165.02 governs deceptive trade practices and lists numerous ways one can engage in such a practice.”
Schumacher v. State Auto. Mut. Ins., 47 F. Supp. 3d 618 (S.D. Ohio 2014).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(10) — 15 cases
Lasmer Indus., Inc. v. Am Gen., LLC, 741 F. Supp. 2d 829 (S.D. Ohio 2010).
Lambert v. Kazinetz, 250 F. Supp. 2d 908 (S.D. Ohio 2003). “Code section 4165.02 must be dismissed with respect to the conduct that occurred in Illinois.”
Heartland of Urbana OH, L.L.C. v. McHugh Fuller Law Grp., P.L.L.C., 2016 Ohio 6959 (Ohio Ct. App. 2016). “{¶ 45} R.C. 4165.02 outlines various deceptive trade practices, and, as pertinent to the claims Heartland says it is making, states that: (A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any…”
White Mule Co. v. Atc Leasing Co. LLC, 540 F. Supp. 2d 869 (N.D. Ohio 2008).
Uriah Prods., LLC v. Winston Prods. LLC (N.D. Ohio 2025).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(12) — 1 case
United Magazine Co. v. Murdoch Magazines Distrib., Inc., 146 F. Supp. 2d 385 (S.D.N.Y. 2001).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(2) — 19 cases
Wooster Floral & Gifts, L.L.C. v. Green Thumb Floral & Garden Ctr., Inc. (Slip Opinion), 2020 Ohio 5614 (Ohio 2020). “” If a party is likely to be damaged by a deceptive trade practice under R.C. 4165.02, a court may grant injunctive relief and award actual damages.”
Wooster Floral & Gifts, L.L.C. v. Green Thumb Floral & Garden Ctr., Inc., 2019 Ohio 63 (Ohio Ct. App. 2019).
Heartland of Urbana OH, L.L.C. v. McHugh Fuller Law Grp., P.L.L.C., 2016 Ohio 6959 (Ohio Ct. App. 2016). “{¶ 45} R.C. 4165.02 outlines various deceptive trade practices, and, as pertinent to the claims Heartland says it is making, states that: (A) A person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person's business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any…”
Future Lawn, Inc. v. Maumee Bay Landscape Contractors, L.L.C., 542 F. Supp. 2d 769 (N.D. Ohio 2008).
Her, Inc. v. Re/MAX First Choice, LLC, 468 F. Supp. 2d 964 (S.D. Ohio 2007).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(3) — 6 cases
Future Lawn, Inc. v. Maumee Bay Landscape Contractors, L.L.C., 542 F. Supp. 2d 769 (N.D. Ohio 2008).
Max Rack, Inc. v. Core Health & Fitness, LLC (S.D. Ohio 2019).
Morris v. Wise (N.D. Ohio 2020).
Kendall Holdings, Ltd. v. Eden Cryogenics LLC, 846 F. Supp. 2d 805 (S.D. Ohio 2012).
N. Innovations Holding Corp. v. Keto Plan, LLC (N.D. Ohio 2022).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(5) — 1 case
Molnarova v. Swamp Witches Inc. LLC (S.D. Ohio 2024).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(6) — 1 case
Molnarova v. Swamp Witches Inc. LLC (S.D. Ohio 2024).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(7) — 14 cases
Aero Fulfillment Servs. Corp. v. Oracle Corp., 186 F. Supp. 3d 764 (S.D. Ohio 2016).
Enduring Wellness, L.L.C. v. Roizen, 2020 Ohio 3180 (Ohio Ct. App. 2020).
Phillips v. Philip Morris Companies Inc., 290 F.R.D. 476 (N.D. Ohio 2013).
Schumacher v. State Auto. Mut. Ins., 47 F. Supp. 3d 618 (S.D. Ohio 2014).
Adams v. Antonelli Coll., 304 F. Supp. 3d 656 (2018).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(9) — 2 cases
Lasmer Indus., Inc. v. Am Gen., LLC, 741 F. Supp. 2d 829 (S.D. Ohio 2010).
Lucky Disc. Lumber Co. v. Mach. Tools of Am., 907 N.E.2d 1222 (Ohio Ct. App. 2009).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(A)(l) — 1 case
Nelson v. Nissan North Am., Inc., 894 F. Supp. 2d 558 (D.N.J. 2012).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(B) — 11 cases
Gascho v. Global Fitness Holdings, LLC, 863 F. Supp. 2d 677 (S.D. Ohio 2012). “The DTPA states that “[a] person engages in a deceptive trade practice when, in the course of the person’s business, vocation, or occupation, the person does any of the following: [list of deceptive activities]” Ohio Rev.Code § 4165.02. The definition of “person” applies to this…”
Barrios v. Am. Thermal Instruments, Inc., 712 F. Supp. 611 (S.D. Ohio 1988). “Section 4165.02.” (Doc. #1, 1139). The allegations contained within Count III are also sufficient to make out a federal claim under the Lanham Trade-Mark Act, § 43(a), 15 U.”
Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990). “See Ohio Rev.Code Ann. § 4165.02 (Anderson 1980).”
McKinney v. Bayer Corp., 744 F. Supp. 2d 733 (N.D. Ohio 2010). “Compare O.R.C. § 4165.02(A) with O.R.C. § 1345.02(B).”
Bower v. Int'l Bus. MacHines, Inc., 495 F. Supp. 2d 837 (S.D. Ohio 2007).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(C) — 6 cases
Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990). “See Ohio Rev.Code Ann. § 4165.02 (Anderson 1980).”
White Mule Co. v. Atc Leasing Co. LLC, 540 F. Supp. 2d 869 (N.D. Ohio 2008).
Pierre Invests., Inc. v. CLE Capital Grp., Inc., 2022 Ohio 4311 (Ohio Ct. App. 2022). “Chapter 4165, and alleges the following: (1) “Defendant’s false, deceptive and misleading statements about being a lender and in the loan commitment induced Plaintiff’s reliance on said statements”; (2) “Defendants have shipped/delivered the loan commitment through the channels…”
DeGidio v. West Grp. Corp., 191 F. Supp. 2d 904 (N.D. Ohio 2002).
George P. Ballas Buick-GMC, Inc. v. Taylor Buick, Inc., 449 N.E.2d 503 (Ohio Ct. App. 1982).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(D) — 1 case
Popovich v. S. Park Pontiac & Subaru, Inc., 704 N.E.2d 286 (Ohio Ct. App. 1997).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(E) — 3 cases
Worthington Foods, Inc. v. Kellogg Co., 732 F. Supp. 1417 (S.D. Ohio 1990). “See Ohio Rev.Code Ann. § 4165.02 (Anderson 1980).”
Re/Max Int'l, Inc. v. Realty One, Inc., 924 F. Supp. 1474 (N.D. Ohio 1996).
Henry J. Weller v. Cromwell Oil Co., 504 F.2d 927 (6th Cir. 1974).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(H) — 5 cases
A & B-Abell Elevator Co. v. Columbus/Cent. Ohio Bldg. & Constr. Trades Council, 73 Ohio St. 3d 1 (Ohio 1995).
Akron-Canton Waste Oil, Inc. v. Saf.-Kleen Oil Servs., Inc., 611 N.E.2d 955 (Ohio Ct. App. 1992).
A & B-Abell Elevator Co. v. Columbus/Cent. Ohio Bldg. & Constr. Trades Council, 1995 Ohio 66 (Ohio 1995).
Re/Max Int'l, Inc. v. Realty One, Inc., 924 F. Supp. 1474 (N.D. Ohio 1996).
Chrvala v. Borden, Inc., 14 F. Supp. 2d 1013 (S.D. Ohio 1998).
— Ohio Rev. Code § 4165.02(J) — 1 case
United Magazine Co. v. Murdoch Magazines Distrib., Inc., 146 F. Supp. 2d 385 (S.D.N.Y. 2001).
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