British Airways, Iberia in talks over tie-up Jul 30, 2008
BA and American have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. antitrust laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at Londons Heathrow Airport, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the U.S.. Word of the BA-Iberia talks could spur consolidation in the European airline industry following already feverish activity in the U.S., where airlines have moved to combine or form new alliances since Delta Air Lines Inc. and Northwest Airlines Corp.... (MSNBC -- Business)
British Airways, Iberia in talks over all-share merger Jul 29, 2008
BA and American have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. antitrust laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at London's Heathrow Airport, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the U.S.. In the meantime, BA has been increasing its shareholding in Iberia, from 9% in 1999 to 13. (USA Today -- Money)
Denver newspapers slump in Q2 Jul 25, 2008
The News and Post are separately owned and maintain separate, competitive news operations, but they are published together under a joint operating agreement (JOA) by Scripps and MediaNews, an exemption to antitrust laws aimed at preserving multiple newspapers in a market. The agreement allows the partners to share the cost of printing, ad sales, circulation and other business services, which are provided by the , and split profits. (Denver Business Journal, CO)
Pilots protest DHL/UPS proposal Jul 25, 2008
The ALPA pilots have claimed the deal could violate antitrust laws. UPS spokesman Norman Black, who was also outside of UPS headquarters this morning watching the protest, said, "Every lawyer for the two companies that has examined this has concluded there are no antitrust implications.". (Atlanta Journal-Constitution)
ProCure takes legal action in proton center battle Jul 24, 2008
A company seeking to build a proton therapy cancer treatment center is laying the groundwork to sue Northern Illinois University, claiming the school violated state antitrust laws and misled state officials in planning its West Chicago center. Bloomington, Ind. (DeKalb Daily Chronicle, IL)
DHL pilots plan to protest UPS cargo deal Jul 24, 2008
"We want to make the public aware of this proposed agreement that would cause the loss of 10,000 jobs and we believe violates U.S. antitrust laws," said Capt. Pat Walsh, an ALPA officer who represents 500 pilots at ASTAR, a cargo carrier that currently has DHL's contract to fly cargo and is 49 percent owned by DHL. A air cargo carrier represented by the Teamsters, ABX, also stands to lose its contract. DHL's hub is in Wilmington, Ohio. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Fresno sues dozens of firms Jul 24, 2008
Fresno's lawsuit alleges the companies violated federal antitrust laws to rig bids, allocate customers and markets, and fix the rates of return on municipal investments made by Fresno and other cities. The lawsuit specifically identifies guaranteed investment contracts as one of the investment tools affected by the scheme. (Fresno Bee -- Local)
German federation challenges new ATP structure Jul 22, 2008
A lawyer for the German Tennis Federation argued Monday the ATP Tour violated antitrust laws in a reorganization that would relegate a Hamburg tournament to second-tier status. This is the end of tennis now in Hamburg, GTF attorney Robert MacGill told a U.S. District Court jury on the first day of a trial over the federation's claims that the Association of Tennis Professionals' planned tournament restructuring attempts to monopolize player commitments and tournament sanctions in men's... (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
Sports in Brief: Tennis suspends two for gambling Jul 22, 2008
A lawyer for the German Tennis Federation argued the ATP Tour violated antitrust laws in a reorganization that would relegate a Hamburg tournament to second-tier status. The federation claims the tournament reorganization plan is the result of collusion among officers of ATP and owners of certain tournaments. (Yahoo News -- Auto Racing)
ATP Tour defends itself in court in GTF lawsuit Jul 22, 2008
The German Tennis Federation argues the ATP Tour violated antitrust laws ... (AP) -- A lawyer for the German Tennis Federation argued Monday the ATP Tour violated antitrust laws in a reorganization that would relegate a Hamburg tournament to second-tier status. (SportsIllustrated.CNN -- Tennis)
American Express Quarterly Profit May Fall as Economy Squeezes Consumers Jul 21, 2008
Some of American Express's rising loan losses will be cushioned by about $4 billion in settlement payments from Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. American Express said last month it settled an antitrust lawsuit against MasterCard for $1 ... American Express sued the two largest credit-card networks in November 2004 after the U.S. Supreme Court ruled they violated antitrust laws by preventing banks from offering rivals' cards. (Bloomberg)
Law Professor Challenges Tale About Blackmun and Race Jul 19, 2008
After his rosy recitation of baseball history, Blackmun went on to uphold the long-standing exemption from antitrust laws that baseball has enjoyed -- even as he conceded that baseball is a business engaging in interstate commerce that would be covered by antitrust laws if it were not "an exception and an anomaly.". Unencumbered by antitrust laws, the majority went on to rule against player Curt Flood's challenge of the "reserve clause" that had enabled team owners to trade him from the St.... (Law.com)
Sure, blame media for bad economic news Jul 18, 2008
Even here in Denver, where the two dailies operate under a joint operating agreement that gives them a pass on antitrust laws, the papers are just scraping by. Last week, Rocky Mountain News financial columnist David Milstead boldly declared that it's time for one of the dailies to fold its tent (his being the one that should survive, of course). (Denver Business Journal, CO)
FTC Forces Pernod Ricard to Drop Stolichnaya Jul 18, 2008
The FTC issued a complaint saying the takeover would violate U.S. antitrust laws and ordered Pernod to end its distribution agreement with Stolichnaya's owners within six months of acquiring Vthe Absolut brand. Pernod agreed to the order, the FTC said. (ABC News -- Wire)
MasterCard Urges House Judiciary Committee to Stop Price Control Legislation Jul 16, 2008
Lamar Smith (R-TX), wrote that the establishment of the three-judge electronic payments panel raises constitutional concerns, that it would harm competition and consumers, and "cannot replicate the flexibility that is found in the free market." The DOJ stated that granting an antitrust exemption to merchants would "appear to be the type of naked collusion that the antitrust laws condemn as per se unlawful because such conduct lacks plausible benefits to competition." MasterCard believes there is... (PR Newswire)
Boehner Skeptical Wildlife Lives in ANWR Jul 16, 2008
Democrats want to crack down on energy futures market speculators, on oil companies for their windfall profits and on OPEC for violating antitrust laws in what they say is a monopoly. They have also called on oil companies to drill in areas the federal government has already set aside for it to drill. (Fox News)
South Africa: State Too Dominant in Economy - OECD Jul 16, 2008
It said SA should strengthen antitrust laws and lift barriers to investment in energy, transport and communications. Dominance of large private sector companies was also seen as negative, as this could be linked to "lower output, employment and prices", it said. (allAfrica.com)
ADVERTISING: Google and Yahoo defend ad alliance at a hearing Jul 16, 2008
Google and Yahoo lawyers defended their recent decision to partner on advertising Tuesday at a congressional hearing, arguing that the arrangement did not violate antitrust laws and would help to keep Yahoo competitive. Their arguments were countered by Microsoft officials who argued that the partnership would allow Google and Yahoo to dominate more than 90 percent of the search advertising market and could significantly raise prices. (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Senate hearing on Google-Yahoo deal: The real backstory Jul 15, 2008
According to his prepared testimony, Microsoft general counsel Brad Smith will call the possibly "illegal under the antitrust laws." His statement predicts the combined "market share would harm competition." ... It has the ability to launch a private antitrust lawsuit against Google and Yahoo ... Similarly, if Google truly believes that Microsoft is, say, with the way Windows Vista search is configured, it has the option of pursuing a private antitrust lawsuit. (CNET News)
Top waste company bids for No. 3 Jul 15, 2008
One issue yet to be decided is whether either of these two proposed mergers would violate antitrust laws. Although officials with all three companies say they should be legal, state and federal regulators need to look at both proposals. (AZCentral -- Business)
Ortho Biotech and Amgen Resolve Antitrust Litigation Jul 13, 2008
In the litigation, Ortho Biotech alleged that discounts offered to oncology clinics on the Amgen products, Aranesp(R), Neupogen(R) and Neulasta(R), violated antitrust laws. Under terms of the agreement, Amgen will pay Ortho Biotech $200 million. (PR Newswire)
Amgen to Pay J&J $200 Million to Settle Antitrust Suit Jul 13, 2008
LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - Amgen Inc said on Friday it will pay Johnson on $200 million to settle litigation alleging drug discounts offered by Amgen to cancer clinics violated antitrust laws. Amgen, the world's largest biotechnology company in terms of revenue, said in a statement its conduct was not unlawful and it admits to no wrongdoing. (ABC News -- Wire)
Sue OPEC? Congress Should Sue Itself Jul 13, 2008
It isn't wasting much time applying Chinese antitrust laws to OPEC. The world is changing much faster than U.S. legislature's ability to comprehend it. The bill's misplaced sense of entitlement is matched only by its pandering delusion. (Forbes)
Players grab Rambus calls before injunction ruling Jul 13, 2008
In a trial involving Rambus and chip manufacturers, including Hynix Semiconductor Inc., and Nanya Technology Corp., a jury in March found that Rambus did not violate antitrust laws or commit fraud in its attempt to protect patents. Page 2. (EETimes)
EU widens Billiton-Rio Tinto probe Jul 5, 2008
The waiting period, under the Hart-Scott-Rodino Act, is used to determine if a takeover violates antitrust laws and BHP said the end of the period satisfied part of U.S. preconditions for clearing the deal. The acquisition will also need EU and Australian regulatory approval. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Economy Casts Pall on Sun Valley Media Fest Jul 4, 2008
Another topic will be U.S. politics, with the presidential election in November and Democratic candidate Barack Obama seen to be taking a more aggressive approach on enforcing antitrust laws should he be elected. One of the reasons Microsoft Corp withdrew its offer to buy Yahoo was an anticipated delay in obtaining regulatory approval ahead of a new administration, one source told Reuters earlier this week. (ABC News -- Wire)
Virgin Atlantic opposes possible alliance of rivals Jul 4, 2008
BA and AMR's American, the world's largest carrier, have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. antitrust laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at London's Heathrow, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the United States. However, they are expected to argue that the competitive situation has changed since the "open skies" agreement between the US and the European Union came into force in March, allowing airlines to fly to and from any... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Daily Briefing Jul 4, 2008
From Staff and News Services Published on: 07/04/08. Penn National's buyers pull out. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Virgin objects to BA, American, Iberia alliance amid reports trio is close to deal Jul 3, 2008
BA and AMR Corp.'s American, the world's largest carrier, have failed in the past to win an exemption from U.S. antitrust laws to work more closely together because of their dominance at London's Heathrow, where the pair have more than half the capacity to and from the United States. However, they are expected to argue that the competitive situation has changed since the "open skies" agreement between the US and the European Union came into force in March, allowing airlines to fly to and from... (International Herald Tribune -- Travel)
9 comments Jul 1, 2008
By your logic, antitrust laws are unconstitutional also. Buck, Landfill, NJJun 30, 2008 @ 07:47 PMBravo. (Human Events Online)
If You Purchased Air Cargo Shipping Services Within, To Or From Either The United States Or Canada From January 1, 2000 To September 11, 2006, Your Rights Could Be Affected By A Settlement. Jun 27, 2008
Plaintiffs claim that Deutsche Lufthansa AG, Lufthansa Cargo AG and Swiss International Air Lines Ltd., along with numerous other air cargo carriers, conspired to fix the prices of air cargo shipping services in violation of U.S. antitrust laws and Canadian competition law. The Settlements provide an $85 million U.S. Fund to pay valid class member claims, and $5. (PR Newswire)
4 Airlines Plead Guilty to Price-Fixing Jun 27, 2008
In separate statements, the chief executives of Air France, KLM, SAS and Cathay said their companies had taken steps to comply with U.S. antitrust laws. Officials at Martinair could not be reached for comment. (Washington Post)
Russia's Lawyers Share Optimistic Outlook Jun 27, 2008
On Thursday the keynote address will be delivered by the head of Russia's Federal Antimonopoly Service, who should provide insight into Russia's embryonic antitrust laws. The Am Law Daily will be blogging from the event, so check back regularly in the coming days for more on the leading business lawyers in the region. (Law.com)
Air France-KLM fined $US350m for price fixing Jun 27, 2008
Welcome to The Sydney Morning Herald. Skip directly to: Search Box, , , Text Version. (Sydney Morning Herald -- Business)
Card Settlement Comes In Handy For Amex Jun 26, 2008
8 billion to drop its antitrust lawsuit against rival MasterCard, and just in the nick of time ... American Express and Discover Financial Services (nyse: - - ) have pursued civil damages against the two card companies after the U.S. Supreme Court let stand a ruling that Visa and MasterCard (nyse: - - ) violated antitrust laws by preventing banks from offering rival cards. (Forbes -- Business)
Opinion: A legal case against the OPEC cartel Jun 23, 2008
Put simply, the bill permitted the Justice Department to charge the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with violating American antitrust laws ... Our antitrust laws are tailor-made to help out in such a crisis ... Foreign businesses and individuals have long been subject to US antitrust laws even for conduct overseas, if it has substantial effect on commerce here. (Christian Science Monitor)
Predatory pricing or old-fashioned competition? Jun 22, 2008
In 2005, after a lengthy investigation, Japan's Fair Trade Commission asserted that Intel had violated the country's antitrust laws by, in effect, paying Japanese computer manufacturers to limit their business with AMD. That same year, AMD sued Intel in federal court, charging predatory pricing; the case is currently scheduled to be tried in February 2010 ... For as long as we've had antitrust laws in the United States, predatory pricing pricing intended solely to prevent a rival from being able... (International Herald Tribune -- Business)
Antitrust Amnesty Deal Blows Up in DOJ's Face Jun 21, 2008
O'Brien resigned March 1 and later sued Stolt, saying he was forced to quit because of "ongoing criminal conduct" that violated antitrust laws. But his suit had not hit the papers yet. (Law.com)
Yahoo faces crisis as more execs quit Jun 21, 2008
But the Google deal wont kick in until late September at the earliest to give US regulators and lawmakers more time to determine whether the partnership would violate antitrust laws. Combined, Google and Yahoo control more than 80% of the US search advertising market. (India Times)
Judge won't dismiss DOJ case against W.Va. papers Jun 21, 2008
A federal judge has refused to dismiss an antitrust lawsuit against the owners of Charleston's two daily newspapers, saying that he needs to hear more from both sides in the dispute ... The DOJ's lawsuit claims that the May 2004 purchase of the MediaNews-owned Charleston Daily Mail by the Daily Gazette Co. for $55 million violated antitrust laws ... In seeking to dismiss the lawsuit, both companies argued it harmed First Amendment principles and that the sale was protected by the Newspaper... (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Business)
Wade, Prince, Redd, Paul Beijing-bound Jun 20, 2008
NHL League, Rangers drop gloves in court The NHL is threatening to kick the owners of the Rangers out of the league or force them to sell the team as punishment for accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws. The NHL filed court papers in New York that included a draft letter from commissioner Gary Bettman proposing discipline against Madison Square Garden, L.P., that could lead to suspension or termination of its ownership of the Rangers. (Boston Globe)
NHL Lightning expected to take Stamkos first Jun 20, 2008
Rangers' owners in trouble: The NHL is threatening to kick the owners of the Rangers out of the league or force them to sell the team as punishment for accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws. The NHL filed court papers that included a draft letter from Commissioner Gary Bettman proposing discipline against Madison Square Garden, L.P., that could lead to suspension or termination of its ownership of the Rangers. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Sports)
Germans reach semis by upsetting Portugal Jun 20, 2008
The NHL is threatening to kick the owners of the New York Rangers Madison Square Garden, L.P. out of the league or force them to sell the team as punishment for accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws. The Garden responded by accusing the NHL of using bullying tactics. (San Diego Union-Tribune -- Sports)
OPEC gets a pass on antitrust laws Jun 20, 2008
Put simply, the bill permitted the Justice Department to charge the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries with violating American antitrust laws ... Our antitrust laws are tailor-made to help out in such a crisis ... Foreign businesses and individuals have long been subject to U.S. antitrust laws even for conduct overseas, if it has substantial effect on commerce here. (Montana Standard, MT)
NHL Threatening Rangers' Owners Jun 20, 2008
The NHL wanted the Rangers' website to adhere to the league's common technology platform, but MSG argued that such control violated antitrust laws. In November, a judge ruled against MSG and in favor of the league. (ABC 7 News, DC)
Like the song says, little things just add up Jun 20, 2008
First, the New York Rangers accused the NHL of violating antitrust laws by requiring the team to give up control of its Web site and promotions to the league. The Rangers went to court when the NHL threatened to fine the bejeebus out of them for not complying. (OregonLive, OR -- Sports)
NHL Draft-A-Paloosa Jun 20, 2008
MSG sued the NHL because MSG felt the NHL violated antitrust laws by monopolizing control of team promotions. Yeah, it s directly related to the Rangers web site. (Atlanta Journal-Constitution -- Sports)
Better than war: Sue OPEC Jun 20, 2008
The president need simply allow the states to seek relief in the Supreme Court under our antitrust laws ... Under our antitrust laws, this is illegal. (International Herald Tribune)
NHL threatens to boot Rangers owners over suit Jun 20, 2008
NEW YORK -- The NHL is threatening to kick the owners of the out of the league or force them to sell the team as punishment for accusing league officials of violating antitrust laws ... Madison Square Garden sued the NHL in September, saying it violated antitrust laws by monopolizing control of team promotions. (ESPN -- NHL)
DoJ Says Microsoft Cooperating but Slow Jun 20, 2008
That is the same major gripe that got Microsoft fined twice by the European Commission (EC) in its enforcement of European Union (EU) antitrust laws. That occurred most recently when the EC dinged the company for another $1. (CIO Information Network)
NHL files lawsuit against Rangers Jun 20, 2008
MSG, whose chairman is James L. Dolan, filed a lawsuit against the league in September, claiming the NHL had violated antitrust laws by attempting to take control of the Rangers' team website and promotions. A judge ruled in November that the league appeared to be within its rights in taking control of the Rangers' website. (NJ.com -- Sports)
Yahoo-Google deal faces scrutiny Jun 19, 2008
Stewart agreed: "You don't get a lifetime exemption from antitrust laws if it's been looked at once." McDonald seemed less concerned. "(There's) pretty much bipartisan agreement on how you approach antitrust problems," he said, adding: "There's room for judgment calls.". (India Times)
Contract To Drill Jun 19, 2008
While everyone seeks an answer on what can be done about oil prices, the NYT and LAT publish op-ed pieces with identical titles: "Sue OPEC." In the NYT, writes that the "president of the United States has the power to attack, and perhaps destroy, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries" by allowing states to "seek relief in the Supreme Court under our antitrust laws." In the LAT, write that Congress already passed a bill that would have allowed the Justice Department to charge OPEC... (Slate)
Strong Arm Tactics Won't Help Consumers At the Pump Jun 18, 2008
The legislation would empower the U.S. government to sue foreign governments under U.S. antitrust laws. Of course, the government would have a tough time enforcing any decisions rendered against OPEC countries. (Townhall.com)
C3SR Raises Questions About the Integrity of the FCC'S Decision-Making Process Jun 17, 2008
C3SR maintains that the FCC has been misled by Sirius and XM with regard to interoperable receivers, and the highly confidential documents referenced in C3SR's recent filings reveal serious violations of the antitrust laws. If Sirius and XM disagree, they should come forward with evidence and make public the highly confidential documents. (PR Newswire)
Gov. wants federal review of offer to buy Bud Jun 17, 2008
Bond sent a letter last week to the U.S. Department of Justice, asking that agency to review the transaction to make sure it doesn't violate U.S. antitrust laws ... One of the few regulatory hurdles would be an FTC or Justice Department review to make sure the combination wouldn't violate antitrust laws. (MSNBC -- Business)
Silicon Image responds to Analogix antitrust lawsuit Jun 17, 2008
The suit alleges that Silicon Image is breaking U.S. antitrust laws with respect to HDMI Licensing LLC, and Simplay Labs LLC, wholly owned subsidiaries of Silicon Image. Silicon Image filed suit against Analogix in in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, accusing Analogix of copyright infringement, misappropriation of trade secrets, and unlawful business practices. (EETimes)
Hey Microsoft, How 'bout We Do That First Deal You Offered? Jun 15, 2008
The Department of Justice, which will review the agreement for compliance with Antitrust laws, is going to have massive commercial (Microsoft) and governmental (Congressional members up for reelection) pressure to find things to object over. I'm not going to quote language in the half dozen press releases, leaked and blog posts that all parties have now. (Washington Post)
Targeting OPEC draws skepticism Jun 14, 2008
It also approved a measure that would subject OPEC's state-controlled utilities to the same antitrust laws that U.S. companies must follow, opening them up to Justice Department lawsuits. Senate Democrats failed on Tuesday to pass a new 25% windfall profits tax on oil companies if the profits are deemed "unreasonable" and not reinvested in refining or renewable energy sources. (Yahoo News -- Oil and Gas)
Budweiser Bid Leaves Bad Taste for Pols Jun 13, 2008
Brito said the merged company, which would be the world's largest brewer by far, would not violate antitrust laws because it would combine breweries that operate in different geographic markets. Brito downplayed the prospect that InBev would slash U.S. jobs and promised not to close any Anheuser-Busch breweries. (ABC News -- Wire)
Which way out of rising gasoline costs? Jun 13, 2008
" That should help bring down gas prices. Already this year, high prices and a weak economy have pushed U.S. gas use down 1% from a year ago, and the Energy Department projects the first annual drop in demand since 1991. The biggest bucks for consumers are in the biggest changes: taking the train or bus, driving under 60 mph or trading in a gas guzzler for a more efficient car. Driving 60 rather than 65 lowers fuel costs by 20 cents a gallon, according to the Alliance to Save Energy. Increasing... (USA Today -- Money)
Obama's big fat Countrywide mess Jun 12, 2008
Damien Cave refers to Larry Klayman, a Florida-based lawyer who filed suit against OPEC on Monday, alleging violations of American antitrust laws in the service of "economic terrorism," as a "conservative gadfly.". If I were Cave's editor now, as it was once my privilege to serve, I would likely have added the words "and complete wacko" to the identification of Mr. Klayman. (Salon)
The perils of international online dating Jun 11, 2008
" As Internet dating gains social acceptance and affordable access to the Internet continues to penetrate developing countries, the U.S. can expect to see an increase in the number of marriages between U.S. citizens (USCs) and foreign spouses by way of IMOs. These "matches" often pair up USCs with poorer spouses from economically developing areas such as the Philippines, Latin America, or the former Soviet Union. IMOs are still rife with opportunities for abuse from either side of the client... (Salon)
Discover antitrust suit seeks $6b from rivals Jun 10, 2008
NEW YORK - Discover Financial Services is seeking $6 billion in damages from Visa Inc. and MasterCard Inc. in an antitrust lawsuit accusing the bigger credit card rivals of squashing competition ... The lawsuits by Discover and American Express follow a Supreme Court ruling that Visa and MasterCard violated antitrust laws in competing against smaller companies. (Boston Globe)
Deutsche Post, UPS May Face U.S. Antitrust Probe on DHL Pact, Welt Reports Jun 10, 2008
June 10 (Bloomberg) -- The U.S. Justice Department may investigate whether 's plan for to take over air shipments for its unprofitable DHL unit conflicts with antitrust laws, said, without saying where it got the information. Ohio officials asked the Justice Department to begin an inquiry and thereby halt the closure of DHL's Wilmington, Ohio, freight airport, the German newspaper reported. (Bloomberg -- Germany)
