Post by PickyChicky on Aug 11, 2013 6:40:02 GMT -6
The following information is for those who are having an issue with unfair competition or unfair/deceptive practices and wish to do something to remedy the problem:
Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition
The Federal Trade Commission Act
"The Federal Trade Commission Act bans "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." The Supreme Court has said that all violations of the Sherman Act also violate the FTC Act. Thus, although the FTC does not technically enforce the Sherman Act, it can bring cases under the FTC Act against the same kinds of activities that violate the Sherman Act. The FTC Act also reaches other practices that harm competition, but that may not fit neatly into categories of conduct formally prohibited by the Sherman Act. Only the FTC brings cases under the FTC Act." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
The Sherman Act
The Sherman Act outlaws "every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade," and any "monopolization, attempted monopolization, or conspiracy or combination to monopolize." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
One form of antitrust that is covered under the Sherman Act that would apply to eCommerce is Agreements Among Competitors. "It's illegal for businesses to act together in ways that can limit competition, lead to higher prices, or hinder other businesses from entering the market."
"The FTC cannot act on behalf of an individual consumer or business, but the information you provide can help expose illegal behavior. With few exceptions, FTC investigations are not public, and any information you provide or complaint you make will be kept confidential. If you ask us about an investigation, you may be told that we cannot discuss it, or even confirm or deny its existence. But we can receive your information and make sure it gets to appropriate FTC staff. in some cases, a staff person may wish to use the information in court. In that event, you may be asked to provide an affidavit or other statement under oath, or appear as a witness at the trial. These situations are relatively rare, but if those circumstances arise, your identity will have to be disclosed to the lawyers representing the companies or persons under investigation. FTC staff will seek your cooperation before making such disclosures."
How You Can Help
If you have an antitrust problem or complaint, or if you wish to provide information that may be helpful in an investigation, contact the FTC.
e-mail: Antitrust@ftc.gov
If you wish to submit confidential information, send it by mail and mark it “Confidential.”
Mail: Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition-H374, Washington, D.C. 20580
Telephone: 1–877–FTC–HELP (1–877–382–4357)
Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/edu/pubs/consumer/general/zgen01.pdf
"In addition to these federal statutes, most states have antitrust laws that are enforced by state attorneys general or private plaintiffs. Many of these statutes are based on the federal antitrust laws." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
For a complete listing of all current State Attorneys General, including contact and website information, go to www.naag.org/current-attorneys-general.php
Federal Trade Commission Bureau of Competition
The Federal Trade Commission Act
"The Federal Trade Commission Act bans "unfair methods of competition" and "unfair or deceptive acts or practices." The Supreme Court has said that all violations of the Sherman Act also violate the FTC Act. Thus, although the FTC does not technically enforce the Sherman Act, it can bring cases under the FTC Act against the same kinds of activities that violate the Sherman Act. The FTC Act also reaches other practices that harm competition, but that may not fit neatly into categories of conduct formally prohibited by the Sherman Act. Only the FTC brings cases under the FTC Act." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
The Sherman Act
The Sherman Act outlaws "every contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade," and any "monopolization, attempted monopolization, or conspiracy or combination to monopolize." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
One form of antitrust that is covered under the Sherman Act that would apply to eCommerce is Agreements Among Competitors. "It's illegal for businesses to act together in ways that can limit competition, lead to higher prices, or hinder other businesses from entering the market."
"The FTC cannot act on behalf of an individual consumer or business, but the information you provide can help expose illegal behavior. With few exceptions, FTC investigations are not public, and any information you provide or complaint you make will be kept confidential. If you ask us about an investigation, you may be told that we cannot discuss it, or even confirm or deny its existence. But we can receive your information and make sure it gets to appropriate FTC staff. in some cases, a staff person may wish to use the information in court. In that event, you may be asked to provide an affidavit or other statement under oath, or appear as a witness at the trial. These situations are relatively rare, but if those circumstances arise, your identity will have to be disclosed to the lawyers representing the companies or persons under investigation. FTC staff will seek your cooperation before making such disclosures."
How You Can Help
If you have an antitrust problem or complaint, or if you wish to provide information that may be helpful in an investigation, contact the FTC.
e-mail: Antitrust@ftc.gov
If you wish to submit confidential information, send it by mail and mark it “Confidential.”
Mail: Federal Trade Commission, Bureau of Competition-H374, Washington, D.C. 20580
Telephone: 1–877–FTC–HELP (1–877–382–4357)
Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/edu/pubs/consumer/general/zgen01.pdf
"In addition to these federal statutes, most states have antitrust laws that are enforced by state attorneys general or private plaintiffs. Many of these statutes are based on the federal antitrust laws." Source: www.ftc.gov/bc/antitrust/antitrust_laws.shtm
For a complete listing of all current State Attorneys General, including contact and website information, go to www.naag.org/current-attorneys-general.php
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