Antitrust Law

United States term for Competition Law. United States Federal Antitrust law is codified in Title 15 of the United States Code (15 U.S.C.). It finds its origin in the great conglomerates (typically structured through complex networks of interlocking shareholder trusts) that were formed in the United States in the late 19th and early 20th century, for example the Standard Oil Trust which controlled most of the oil industry.

Violations of the U.S. antitrust law can be treated as a criminal matter, resulting in fines for companies and individuals, as well as potential prison sentences. Civil claims for violations of U.S. antitrust law can result in Enhanced Damages, i.e., treble damages plus Attorney’s Fees for successful claimant(s). Antitrust laws at the state level also exist. See Sherman Act, Clayton Act, Robinson Patman Act, Hart Scott Rodino (HSR) Act, Lanham Act.

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