What penalties can be imposed for antitrust violations?
In California, penalties for antitrust violations depend on the specific facts of the case. Generally, antitrust violations can result in civil and criminal penalties. For civil penalties, the antitrust laws in California allow for monetary damages and injunctive relief to those affected by the violation. Monetary damages include compensation to individuals and businesses who were harmed by the violation. For example, a company that engages in anticompetitive behavior that results in higher prices may be required to reimburse the individuals or businesses who paid those higher prices. Injunctive relief can include court orders prohibiting or requiring certain business practices, like preventing a company from engaging in a certain type of behavior. Criminal penalties can include incarceration and/or fines up to $100 million. For example, if a company is found to have engaged in price-fixing, it could be fined up to $100 million, and individuals found to be involved in the illegal activity could be subject to imprisonment for up to 10 years. Ultimately, the specific penalties for an antitrust violation depend on the facts of the case, the severity of the offense, and the history of the company or individuals involved. The penalties for antitrust violations are designed to deter illegal business practices and protect consumers, businesses, and competition in the marketplace.
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