What is the difference between an antitrust violation and a breach of contract?
Antitrust laws are designed to promote fair competition in the marketplace and protect consumers. In Washington, antitrust violations occur when two or more businesses conspire to fix prices, divide markets, or otherwise limit competition in some way. A breach of contract, on the other hand, occurs when either party fails to fulfill an agreement or obligation they are legally bound to do. An antitrust violation is illegal and carries with it the potential for both civil and criminal penalties. Antitrust violations can include a wide range of activities, such as price-fixing, refusing to deal with competitors, creating a monopoly, or engaging in predatory pricing. The parties accused of violating antitrust laws can be held liable for damages, and may be required to pay civil fines, interest, and attorney’s fees. A breach of contract, on the other hand, involves a private dispute between two or more parties. A breach of contract occurs when a legally-binding agreement is violated by one of the parties. This can include failure to pay for goods or services, failure to perform a specific task, or failure to abide by the terms of the agreement. If a breach of contract occurs, the parties may choose to pursue legal action, such as filing a lawsuit, in order to remedy the situation. In summary, while antitrust violations involve illegal activities that harm competition in the marketplace and violate the law, a breach of contract is a private dispute between two or more parties arising out of a legally-binding agreement.
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