What is Learningrx required to accurately represent regarding tests, studies, or research related to the benefits of cognitive training?
Learningrx Franchise · 2025 FDDAnswer from 2025 FDD Document
came effective on May 24, 2016 ("Settlement Agreement"). In its principal parts, the Settlement Agreement requires: (1) randomized controlled trials, or RCTs, to support cognitive training-related claims of improved performance at work or in athletics; delay of or protection against age-related decline in memory or other cognitive function; and reduction in cognitive impairment or improvement in cognitive function of individuals with health conditions, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), autism, traumatic brain injury (TBI), or stroke; (2) competent and reliable scientific evidence for all other claims of performance, benefits, or efficacy associated with cognitive training; (3) accurate representation of the existence, contents, validity, results, conclusions, or interpretations of tests, studies, or research, including that the benefits of cognitive training are scientifically proven; and (4) a settlement payment of $200,000, upon which the remainder of the monetary judgment entered in the Action ($4,000,000) will be suspended. The Settlement Agreement also contains standard compliance reporting and recordkeeping requirements. In compliance with the terms of the Settlement agreement, LearningRx has completed 20 plus studies includi
Source: Item 3 — LITIGATION (FDD page 12)
What This Means (2025 FDD)
According to the 2025 Learningrx Franchise Disclosure Document, Learningrx is bound by a Settlement Agreement with the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) that requires accurate representation of tests, studies, or research. Specifically, Learningrx must accurately represent the existence, contents, validity, results, conclusions, or interpretations of tests, studies, or research, including whether the benefits of cognitive training are scientifically proven. This requirement stems from a 2016 FTC action alleging unsubstantiated claims were made about the benefits of Learningrx's brain training programs.
This stipulation means that Learningrx franchisees must ensure that any claims made about the efficacy of Learningrx's cognitive training programs are supported by legitimate scientific evidence and accurately reflect the findings of relevant tests, studies, or research. This includes avoiding any misleading or exaggerated statements about the benefits of the training. The FTC settlement also mandates that Learningrx conduct randomized controlled trials (RCTs) to substantiate claims related to improved performance at work or in athletics, delay of or protection against age-related cognitive decline, and cognitive improvement for individuals with health conditions like ADHD, autism, traumatic brain injury, or stroke.
For a prospective Learningrx franchisee, this has significant implications for marketing and advertising efforts. Franchisees must be cautious about the claims they make to potential customers and ensure that all marketing materials are compliant with the FTC settlement. Failure to adhere to these requirements could result in legal repercussions and damage to the Learningrx brand. The FDD indicates that Learningrx has completed over 20 studies, including RCTs, to meet the new FTC regulations, which franchisees can potentially leverage in their marketing efforts, provided they are represented accurately.