Holyoak, Ferguson could change FTC dynamics but face steep learning curve

If Republican nominees Melissa Holyoak of Utah and Andrew Ferguson of Virginia are confirmed, as expected, to join the Federal Trade Commission this month, they could change the dynamics of an agency that’s been under single-party control for half...

Insulin cases need a sharper focus

Hard cases are notorious for making bad law. But sometimes the easy and obvious cases can make bad law, too. Something like this seems to be going on with insulin pricing.

Current Issue: 783

Next Issue: Oct 3, 2023

Turbulence in online travel search: a done deal, innovation, and possible anticompetitive conduct

Innovation in online travel search has provided consumers user-friendly tools and unprecedented access to airlines’ price and booking information. Consumers have come to expect healthy competition...

Antitrust agencies, Chile reach MOU

The FTC and the Justice Department have reached an antitrust cooperation agreement with the Fiscalia Nacional Economica (FNE) of Chile.

CA Senator for Do-Not-Track

California State Senator Alan Lowenthal (D) has amended a bill in the state legislature to mandate a Do-Not-Track mechanism as a tool to protect consumers’ online privacy.

FTC to FL State Reps: Pass bill to relax regulations

A proposed bill in the Florida state government may increase the availability of health care services to underserved populations, such as the elderly and those in rural or inner-city communities.

Rosch on merger analysis

FTC Commissioner J. Thomas Rosch hopes the Commission will rely on direct effects evidence more often when evaluating the competition effects of proposed transactions.

Senator to FTC: Investigate pipeline

Senator Ron Wyden (D., Ore.) has asked the FTC to inquire into possible “confidential agreements between seven Canadian oil companies” that could drive up gas prices for consumers.

AAI Column

Resisting another threat to competition in health care

Closed investigation: Amazon.com, Inc.’s proposed acquisition of Quidsi, Inc.

The Commission has closed a non-public investigation of Amazon.com, Inc.’s planned $500 million acquisition of Quidsi, Inc. for possible anticompetitive effects of the deal.

Closed case: Tropigas de Puerto Rico Inc., Empire Gas Co., Inc., and Liquilux Gas Corp.

The Commission has closed an investigation of Tropigas de Puerto Rico Inc., Empire Gas Co., Inc., and Liquilux Gas Corp. for possible unfair methods of competition in the liquefied petroleum gas...

Closed case: COPPA Rule

The FTC staff has closed an investigation of Jerad Rose, regarding his website AnimalCrossingCommunity.com (ACC.)

European antitrust: fines for steel producers

The EU has fined 17 prestressing steel producers over Ђ269 million for their participation in an 18 year price-fixing cartel.

European antitrust: electricity investigation

Deutsche Bahn AG and some of its subsidiaries may have violated EU antitrust rules against the abuse of a dominant market position. The EC has alleged that Deutsche Bahn Energie, “the de facto sole...

Sticky fingers at the FTC

A former supply clerk for the FTC has pleaded guilty to stealing money from the Commission.

Microsoft files suit against Google

Microsoft has filed an antitrust complaint with the European Commission against Google, charging that Google has engaged in anticompetitive conduct leading to an estimated 95 percent market share...

NOPEC passes committee

The full Senate will soon vote on the No Oil Producing & Exporting Cartels (NOPEC) Act, a bill that would authorize the Justice Department to bring cases against foreign states “for collusive...

DOJ settles over milk

A Texas-based food and beverage company will divest a Wisconsin dairy processing plant to resolve Justice Department claims of anticompetitive effects of a dairy deal.

Medical waste deal cleaned up

The Justice Department has set conditions on a $245 million deal between medical waste companies, settling concerns of anticompetitive effects and clearing the deal to proceed.

Allegedly deceptive health claims: FTC seeks court order, fines

A company that markets and sells herbal products may face civil penalties and an injunction for purportedly violating a 2009 FTC order.

Court blocks timeshare resellers

The FTC has obtained a Temporary Restraining Order against companies that allegedly defrauded consumers seeking to sell their timeshare properties.

Children’s vitamin company settles

The Commission has issued a final order with NBTY, Inc. and subsidiaries NatureSmart LLC, and Rexall Sundown, Inc., makers of children’s Disney and Marvel Heroes vitamins, to resolve claims of...