Fifth Circuit TCPA Decision Raises Questions About Written Consent — But Businesses Should Proceed Carefully

Ecommerce Innovation Alliance

March 5, 2026

A recent decision from the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit has sparked discussion in the marketing and compliance community. In Bradford v. Sovereign Pest Control, LLC, the court addressed whether the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) itself requires “prior express written consent” for certain telemarketing calls and texts. The Fifth Circuit concluded that the statute requires “prior express consent,” but does NOT explicitly require that the consent be in writing. …

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