Antitrust Policy

With a sophisticated antitrust practice also comes an appreciation and understanding of antitrust policy and enforcement. In our system the public is often invited to participate in hearings before Congress, to comment on proposed changes in rules and regulations, to participate in hearings before the enforcement agencies and other commissions and to engage in other lobbying activity with the goal of improving our laws and procedures.

The North American Antitrust Practice Group has played an active role in policy matters through their participation in various bar and professional associations. All of our members are active in either the Antitrust Section, the International Section or the Criminal Section of the ABA. One is a former chair of the Antitrust Section and the current chair of the ABA’s Task Force on Modernization, and another currently serves as  an officer of the International Section. One of  our members also serves on the Antitrust Council of the US Chambers of Commerce. Our experience in policy related matters enables us to better  inform and represent our clients before the agencies, in litigation matters and in counseling. From time to time we also assist our clients in expressing their views on policy matters.

Representative Experience

• Testimony before the FTC on health care issues, efficiencies and global competition, the interface between antitrust and intellectual property, and joint ventures
• Comments to the Antitrust Modernization Commission on contribution and claim reduction (2005)
• Submission to the FTC on proposed changes to the Hart-Scott-Rodino rules
• Submission of comments to the FTC concerning antitrust implications of B2B exchanges