What is antitrust law?
Antitrust law is a set of laws and regulations that are designed to ensure healthy competition in the marketplace. In Washington, these laws are designed to protect consumers from companies that have too much power over an industry, making it difficult for new businesses to enter the market. Antitrust law also protects businesses from unfair competition. It prevents businesses from forming cartels, which are agreements between companies to restrict output and fix prices. It also prevents monopolies, which is when a single company has too much power in an industry, and can control prices and output. These practices are considered anti-competitive and are illegal under antitrust laws. Antitrust laws are enforced by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Department of Justice (DOJ). The two work together to investigate cases and enforce the antitrust laws. If the FTC or DOJ believes a company or group of companies has violated the antitrust laws, they can take legal action against the companies. Antitrust law is important to protect competition and consumers. Without antitrust law, a few large companies could control the market, allowing them to raise prices and reduce consumer choice. Antitrust laws help to prevent this, creating an even playing field that allows new businesses to compete and succeed.
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