What is the Clayton Antitrust Act?

The Clayton Antitrust Act is an American law passed in 1914 that sought to outlaw business practices considered anti-competitive or monopolistic. It was the first major federal response to the emergence of trusts—large corporations with vast amounts of influence over the national economy. The Clayton Antitrust Act broadened the scope of the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which had addressed only a few areas of concern. The Clayton Act forbid exclusive dealing and price discrimination, prohibited exclusive sales contracts, and set penalties for merger violations. It also gave the federal government the power to bring suit against companies on behalf of victims of unfair competition. The law also gave the federal government the power to prevent mergers and acquisitions that were deemed anti-competitive. The Clayton Antitrust Act was designed to protect all consumers, small businesses, and other entities from unfair, anti-competitive practices. Though the law was passed over a century ago, it is still relevant today. In the state of Washington, antitrust law is enforced by the state Attorney General’s office, which brings suit against companies considered to be in violation of the state’s antitrust laws. Individuals have the right to file private antitrust suits in the state of Washington as well.

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What is the Clayton Antitrust Act?

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