What are the three main types of antitrust law violations?
The three main types of antitrust law violations are horizontal agreements, vertical agreements, and exclusionary conduct. Horizontal agreements consists of two or more companies agreeing to fix prices or other terms of trade, such as agreeing not to compete in certain markets, thus diminishing competition and raising prices. Vertical agreements are when companies at different levels of production and distribution enter into agreements that limit or control trade, such as blocking competitors from access to important resources or markets. Finally, exclusionary conduct consists of activities such as refusal to deal, predatory pricing, setting certain terms for customers, and creating barriers to entry into certain markets. In Oklahoma, antitrust laws are enforced by the Oklahoma Antitrust Commission and Attorney General’s Office through the Tulsa County District Attorney’s Office. Violations of antitrust law in Oklahoma can result in civil or criminal penalties. Civil penalties can involve an injunction, requiring the company to stop the anticompetitive behavior, and/or monetary damages. Criminal penalties are more severe, and typically involve fines and/or prison time for those individuals responsible for the violation. It is important to note that Oklahoma’s antitrust laws are part of a larger set of federal laws in the United States, outlining expectations and regulations for competition and trade. Therefore, companies found to be in violation of federal antitrust laws may be subject to additional enforcement and penalties.
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