Antitrust is a term that refers to laws and regulations that are designed to promote competition and prevent monopolies and other anti-competitive practices in the marketplace. In the United States, antitrust laws are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ).
There are several types of antitrust violations that can occur, including:
- Price fixing: This occurs when businesses agree to set prices at a certain level or to avoid competing with each other on price.
- Market allocation: This occurs when businesses divide up a market or customers among themselves in order to avoid competition.
- Monopolization: This occurs when a business uses its dominant market position to exclude competition or to engage in anti-competitive practices.
In an antitrust lawsuit, the plaintiff (usually the government) must prove that the defendant (usually a business or group of businesses) has engaged in anti-competitive conduct. If the plaintiff is successful, the defendant may be ordered to stop the conduct and may be required to pay damages to compensate the plaintiff for their losses.
Antitrust violations can have serious consequences for businesses, as they can result in significant fines and other penalties. It is important for businesses to be aware of their legal obligations and to take steps to ensure that they are not engaging in anti-competitive conduct.
Commercial litigation support can be valuable for businesses that are involved in antitrust disputes, as it can help to ensure that their legal rights are protected and that they receive the compensation they are entitled to. It is important to work with an experienced attorney or legal team in order to navigate these complex issues and achieve the best possible outcome.