What is an Antitrust Lawsuit?
An antitrust lawsuit is a legal action brought against companies or entities that engage in unfair business practices that restrict competition or harm consumers. These cases often address price-fixing, bid rigging, monopolies, or agreements that divide markets or limit consumer choice.
The goal of an antitrust lawsuit is to hold corporations accountable for their anticompetitive behavior and seek compensation for damages. This may include financial losses, inflated prices, harm to consumer choice, and lost opportunities in the marketplace. By pursuing these cases, the aim is to restore fairness, ensure healthy market competition, and protect consumers and businesses from exploitation.
What are Common Types of Antitrust Lawsuits?
There are many different types of anticompetitive practices that are the subject of antitrust lawsuits. Some of these are listed here.
- Monopolies – This is where one or more companies or individuals have most of the business in an economic sector.
- Price-fixing – In this situation, competitors agree to set or raise the price of the goods or services they sell.
- Bid rigging – In a competitive bid rigging process, competitors agree in advance who will submit the winning bid.
- Exclusive Dealing – This is when a buyer agrees to only purchase from a specific supplier.
- Tying – A tying or bundling arrangement is when a company conditions the sale of one product or service on the purchase of a second item.
- Agreement to Divide Markets – This is when companies agree to only sell to certain customers or only sell in parts of the country.
- Price Discrimination – Charging different prices is not an automatic or per se violation of antitrust laws unless it affects competition. If a seller gives rebates or promotions only to certain customers or lowers prices in some locations, it impacts competition.
Who Can File an Antitrust Lawsuit?
Victims of anticompetitive behavior—including consumers, small businesses, public entities, and competitors—may be eligible to file an antitrust lawsuit. These cases often involve inflated prices, restricted market access, or business practices that unfairly favor one party over others. Plaintiffs may include individuals who overpaid for goods or services, companies harmed by monopolistic conduct, or organizations affected by collusion in a particular industry.
To bring a claim, it must typically be shown that the defendant engaged in conduct that violated federal or state antitrust laws, that the plaintiff was directly or indirectly harmed by the conduct, and that the harm is measurable—such as through higher prices, lost business opportunities, or suppressed market competition. A qualified antitrust attorney can assess whether your experience meets these criteria and advise on whether you may be eligible to join an existing class action or pursue an individual claim.
When Should I Contact an Antitrust Attorney?
If you believe a company has engaged in price manipulation, restricted competition, or otherwise violated antitrust laws, it’s important to consult an attorney early. Our team can evaluate whether your situation may be part of a broader class action or multidistrict litigation.
