What are the anti-trust laws that govern e-commerce businesses?

Anti-trust laws are a set of federal and state laws that protect consumers from unfair business practices. In the state of Washington, the Washington Antitrust Act prohibits companies from entering into agreements that limit competition. This includes any such arrangements between competitors to fix prices, limit output, or divide up markets. In addition, the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 also applies to e-commerce businesses operating in the state of Washington. This Act makes it illegal for companies to form cartels or monopolies, which are arrangements that would allow one company to dominate an entire market. It also prohibits any agreements intended to limit competition in any way, such as price-fixing or market division agreements. The Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914 further clarifies the Sherman Act, outlawing some exclusive business practices, such as exclusive dealing agreements between suppliers and retailers. This Act also outlaws anti-competitive mergers and acquisitions if they would result in lessening competition in a particular market. The Federal Trade Commission Act of 1914 also applies to e-commerce businesses operating in Washington. This Act prohibits false advertising, deceptive pricing practices, and unfair methods of competition. In addition, the Act gives the Federal Trade Commission the authority to investigate anti-competitive practices and to initiate legal actions against companies that have violated the Act. Overall, e-commerce businesses in Washington must comply with all of these anti-trust laws in order to ensure that they are not engaging in unfair practices that could harm consumers.

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