Nebraska eyes Big Ten, could vote Friday on conference shift Jun 10, 2010
" U.S. Sen. , R-Iowa, said Wednesday that he and other lawmakers from states that could be adversely affected by wholesale conference realignment would look at ways to delay or prevent it. Grassley said options could include asking the Justice Department to conduct a review of whether the changes violate federal antitrust laws something , R-Utah, ranking member of the Senate antitrust subcommittee, brought up in a hearing Wednesday, Grassley said. Serious consideration also could be given,... (USA Today -- Sports)
Franken Grills Varney On Comcast-NBCU-Like Mergers Jun 10, 2010
"On the issue of cable bills and possible programming cost increases, Varney had a ready answer. She said Justice would attempt to determine, in any merger, whether there would be a "nontransitory" price increase that would be actionable under antitrust laws. "If you find that evidence, that is certainly something you would consider when you try to determine whether or not you block the merger. "Sen. Arlen Specter (D-Pa.) weighed in in support of Comcast, which he pointed out was a major... (Multichannel News)
FTC Gets Some Senatorial Push-Back Over 'Unfair' Trade Jun 10, 2010
The standard comes from the FTC Act's Section 5 -- which is, as The National Law Journal , broader and less tested than other antitrust laws, including Section 2 of the Sherman Act. Hatch, at a congressional hearing on antitrust enforcement, put the question to FTC Chairman Jon Leibowitz: Who decides what the standard is. (Law.com)
Seizing The News Business Jun 8, 2010
Of the latter mission, the commission, which polices antitrust laws, reserves unto itself the power to grant antitrust exemptions. This, apparently, is pretext enough to float the idea of granting such protections to publishers so they might, in the words of media blogger Jeff Jarvis, "collude on pricing to consumers and business partners.". (Investors Business Daily)
154-year-old Honolulu Advertiser prints last issue Jun 6, 2010
After announcing a deal with Gannett, Black put the Star-Bulletin up for sale to satisfy antitrust laws but never got an acceptable offer. A decade ago, Black was the one who saved Honolulu from becoming a one-newspaper town by purchasing the Star-Bulletin from Liberty Newspapers LP. Liberty had agreed to accept $26. (MSNBC -- Business)
Workshop Will Look at Dairy Industry Competition Jun 5, 2010
Railroads, too, have a limited exemption from antitrust laws, under this same act. Many Wisconsin agri-businesses and power companies that use railroads for shipping their products or, for instance, bringing in coal for their operations, have been working with the state s Congressional Delegation to secure more dependable service and price structure. (Minnesota Farm Guide, MN)
Editorial: High court right to block NFL's unfair play May 28, 2010
American Needle Inc., formerly a hat-maker for the league, claimed the league violated antitrust laws when all teams worked together to freeze it out of a competition won by Reebok. "Although NFL teams have common interests such as promoting the NFL brand, they are still separate, profit-maximizing entities, and their interests in licensing team trademarks are not necessarily aligned," wrote Justice John Paul Stevens. (The News-Press -- Opinion)
Justices deny NFL bid for antitrust protection as one unit May 26, 2010
"This is a ringing endorsement of the notion that the antitrust laws play an important role in protecting American consumers, even where sports leagues are involved," said Glen Nager, who represented American Needle. Gregg Levy, who represented the NFL at the court, likened the teams to lawyers in a firm. (USA Today -- News)
U.S. Innovation Under Attack By Obama May 26, 2010
The Obama administration has made economic recovery a priority, but unfortunately the Administration is continuing a practice that has the opposite economic effect -- targeting Americas prize technology companies with vague antitrust laws ... If Apple were in violation of antitrust laws, such as price fixing, then it should face the consequences of its crimes. (Townhall.com)
High Court Broadsides NFL in Antitrust Case May 25, 2010
The U.S. Supreme Court on Monday dashed the hopes of the National Football League for baseball-style immunity from antitrust laws, with justices ruling unanimously against the league in a dispute over NFL-licensed apparel. The NFL defended its exclusive contract with Reebok for souvenir headwear for all the league's teams by arguing that it should be viewed as a single entity for certain purposes. (Law.com)
NFL loses bid for antitrust protection May 25, 2010
The company lost and appealed to the Supreme Court, but the NFL did as well, hoping to get broader protection from antitrust lawsuits. American Needle's antitrust lawsuit now heads back to the lower court ... The Court ruled 9-0 in favor of American Needle, which claimed the league violated antitrust laws in having a "one-entity" deal with Reebok to manufacture hats. (ESPN -- Football)
Vickers out for rest of season May 22, 2010
- The former owners of Kentucky Speedway have dropped their antitrust lawsuit against NASCAR. ... Both the U.S. District Court and the U.S. Court of Appeals rejected claims by the former owners that NASCAR and International Speedway Corporation violated federal antitrust laws by working with other tracks to keep the 1. (Athens Banner-Herald)
Dems feel healthcare fatigue May 15, 2010
Measures in jeopardy include bills that would require more information on healthcare prices, empower federal regulators to sign off on premium increases and strip insurers of their exemption from antitrust laws. Democrats in the House and Senate alike are eager to focus on vote-getting issues such as job creation as the midterm elections approach. (TheHill.com)
Assistant coaches of NFL consider forming union May 15, 2010
"They expect us to like the lockout clauses and not complain when they try to do away with the antitrust laws. We don't understand. All we have said is, 'Treat us with respect and dignity because we treat the game with respect and we want you to treat us the same,' and they haven't in any of us.". Tensions between owners and assistant coaches also rose when the NFLCA filed an amicus brief supporting American Needle in its landmark antitrust case against the NFL. A league victory in the case... (ESPN -- Football)
Opposing view: End the merger madness May 14, 2010
Protected by immunity from antitrust laws, these alliances have every incentive to refrain from competing on service and fares. And in the end, given the long history of ultimately unsuccessful airline mergers, no one knows whether this merger will succeed in bringing stability to a challenged industry. (USA Today)
Google CEO discusses China, mobile at meeting May 14, 2010
U.S. regulators plan to examine whether Apple's restrictions violate antitrust laws. The tensions between Google and Apple have been growing as they compete to sell mobile devices, services and advertising. (The Star Online, Malaysia -- Business)
Viterra Sees Acquisition Possibilities as Obama Scrutinizes Agriculture May 12, 2010
May 11 (Bloomberg) -- , the largest Canadian grain-handler, expects more acquisition opportunities in the U.S. as President increases enforcement of antitrust laws in the agriculture industry. Viterra sees small bolt-on acquisitions as it integrates last years A$1. (Bloomberg -- Canada)
Can MWC trust in the BCS system? May 9, 2010
Earlier this year, the Justice Department said it was considering an investigation into whether the BCS violates antitrust laws. If numbers continue to show that the MWC is better than many of the favored six, but it still cant join the club, the BCS will have a much harder time saying its membership is open and fair to competition. (San Diego Union-Tribune)
Genzyme in stock buyback May 7, 2010
But in a filing earlier this week, he said Denner and Mulligan could serve on both boards without running afoul of antitrust laws because the companies had only de minimus competing sales. Genzyme also initially faced opposition from another dissident shareholder, Ralph Whitworth, principal and cofounder of Relational Investors. (Boston Globe)
Airline Merger Could Affect Houston Jobs May 5, 2010
Sheila Jackson Lee questions whether the pact violates federal antitrust laws. "As a member of the United States Congress, it's my responsibility to put this merger through the toughest scrutiny that can possibly be secured," she said. (Click2Houston, TX)
Honolulu daily papers now have one owner May 4, 2010
Oahu Publications will merge the Advertiser and Star-Bulletin, which it earlier put up for sale to satisfy antitrust laws, leaving Honolulu with a single daily newspaper: the. The merger is expected to result in mass layoffs. (Pacific Business News, HI)
UAL-Continental tie-up will get scrutiny from regulators, lawmakers May 4, 2010
Both a full-scale Justice Department review and Senate hearings are expected, and the Obama administration has vowed to step up enforcement of antitrust laws. And theres another big uncertainty: Recently proposed merger enforcement guidelines give the Justice Department more leeway to decide whether a merger hurts competition too much. (Crain's Chicago Business)
Scrutiny of Advertiser sale urged Apr 24, 2010
"Given the magnitude of the potential impact, I respectfully request that the Department of Justice carefully review all aspects of this transaction to ensure it is in accord with our nation's antitrust laws.". The letter was addressed to Assistant Deputy Attorney General Christine Varney, who heads the Justice Department's antitrust division, which is reviewing the sale of The Advertiser. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Micros Systems settles antitrust lawsuit Apr 21, 2010
has settled a lawsuit that accused the Columbia company of violating federal antitrust laws. The settlement has allowed it to resume business with Princeton, N.J.-based , which filed the lawsuit in November 2007. (Baltimore Business Journal, MD)
Justice Department looks at offers for Star-Bulletin Apr 21, 2010
Daniel Inouye was expected to send a letter to the Justice Department asking for a review of the sale to ensure that it meets antitrust laws ... Daniel Inouye was expected to send a letter to the Justice Department asking for a review of the sale to ensure that it meets antitrust laws. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Inouye urges review of newspaper sales Apr 21, 2010
The senator wants to ensure that the newspaper deals are conducted in accordance with federal antitrust laws, said Peter Boylan, spokesman for Inouye. "The sale of these properties could leave hundreds of workers and their families without a job and every effort needs to be made to ensure the transaction is above board," Boylan said in an e-mail yesterday. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Sen. Inouye to ask for antitrust review of Star-Bulletin sale Apr 20, 2010
Peter Boylan, spokesman for Inouye, said the senator wants to ensure that the Justice Department's scrutiny of the sale of the newspaper deals is in accord with antitrust laws. "The sale of these properties could leave hundreds of workers and their families without a job and every effort needs to be made to ensure the transaction is above board," Boylan said in an e-mail. (Honolulu Advertiser)
Slom continues with Star-Bulletin bid Apr 18, 2010
The Justice Department did not comment on how many bids it has received or on the vetting process, but spokeswoman Gina Talamona said "the Antitrust Division is monitoring the sale of the Star-Bulletin newspaper consistent with the antitrust laws." ... The Justice Department did not comment on how many bids it has received or on the vetting process, but spokeswoman Gina Talamona said "the Antitrust Division is monitoring the sale of the Star-Bulletin newspaper consistent with the antitrust... (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Study finds benefits in modified crops, warns of overuse Apr 15, 2010
The Justice Department is investigating whether Monsanto, which has patents on the Roundup Ready system, is violating antitrust laws, unduly increasing prices or hindering innovation ... The Justice Department is investigating whether Monsanto, which has patents on the Roundup Ready system, is violating antitrust laws, unduly increasing prices or hindering innovation. (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Report touts gene-altered crops, notes overuse Apr 14, 2010
The Justice Department is investigating whether Monsanto, which has patents on some of the fundamental technology including the Roundup Ready system, is violating antitrust laws, unduly increasing prices or hindering innovation. The National Research Council report addresses this issue briefly without mentioning Monsanto. (MSNBC -- Environment)
Battle over online local ads heats up Apr 11, 2010
Despite the size of the opportunity, however, some believe Google is pursuing this market through means that might run afoul of antitrust laws. There are at least two major concerns. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Technology)
NY suit vs. Google seeks damages for pictures, art Apr 9, 2010
The U.S. Department of Justice has said the settlement might violate antitrust laws. The deal is opposed by some Google rivals, consumer watchdogs, academic experts, literary agents and even foreign governments. (The Palm Beach Post)
Uncertainty for FCC in Wake of Comcast Ruling Apr 7, 2010
"If there's a regulatory scheme in place that protects access, the antitrust laws can step back and say, 'There's no need for us to get involved and force Comcast to play with others,'" Ostrau said. "But if the FCC has no ability to regulate how Comcast manages its network, it means the antitrust [provisions] need to be more effective and have more influence.". (Law.com)
THE NCAA'S AGENDA Apr 6, 2010
5 million it cost to resolve another suit in 1999, when a federal jury found the organization had violated antitrust laws by capping the salaries of some assistant coaches. Most potentially explosive is the announced intention of two major conferences, the Big Ten and Pacific-10, to explore expansion. (USA Today -- Sports)
Today in History Apr 3, 2010
Ten years ago: U.S. District Judge Thomas Penfield Jackson ruled that Microsoft Corp. had violated antitrust laws by keeping "an oppressive thumb" on competitors. (Jackson later ordered the breakup of Microsoft, but the Justice Department ended up reaching a settlement with the software giant. (Carlisle Sentinel, PA)
The price of pork Apr 3, 2010
Additionally, the workshops will provide ;an opportunity for farmers, ranchers, consumer groups, processors, agribusiness, and other interested parties to provide examples of anticompetitive conduct and to discuss any concerns about the application of the antitrust laws to the agricultural sectors ... Addressing the group was U.S. Attorney General Eric Holder who said ;We appreciate the importance of this industry to our economy and are committed to enforcing the antitrust laws effectively to... (Princeton Bureau County Republican, IL)
Wade asks for sole custody of his two sons Apr 1, 2010
Earlier this week, a federal judge dismissed a $90 million lawsuit claiming that Wade violated antitrust laws in a failed restaurant venture. Wade still faces a breach of contract lawsuit stemming from the restaurant venture, plus is suing a former business partner for defamation. (USA Today -- Sports)
Steelers’ Holmes denies hitting woman Mar 31, 2010
A federal judge dismissed a $90 million lawsuit claiming that Dwyane Wade of the violated antitrust laws by walking away from the D. Wade s Place enterprise, a failed restaurant venture. Colleges IUPUI must vacate wins in 14 sports The NCAA says it has found major eligibility infractions involving all 14 sports at Indiana University-Purdue University Indianapolis. (Boston Globe)
getNumberAll('1202446911742') Mar 27, 2010
In the 2007 case , a 7-1 majority spoke approvingly of the presumption that "United States law governs domestically but does not rule the world." Three years earlier, in , a unanimous Court said extending the reach of American antitrust laws too far into foreign situations would be "an act of legal imperialism.". EXPORTING U.S. LAW. (Law.com)
* Oracle profit slips, but new software revenue edges up Mar 27, 2010
4 billion as part of Oracle CEO Larry Ellisons push to more deeply challenge rival IBM Corp. The deal was completed in January after months of wrangling in Europe over whether the deal would violate antitrust laws. This story has been viewed 293 times. (Taipei Times, Taiwan -- Sports)
Mercy Partners readies for role as health giant Mar 20, 2010
The $4 billion-a-year CHP can benefit from group purchasing across its markets, but because of antitrust laws, it must negotiate with insurers market-by-market. has a very strong balance sheet, so they are going to be strong in the market, Clayton said. (Cincinnati Business Courier, OH)
MH wins case against physician investors Mar 13, 2010
The physician investors lawsuit centered on the claim that Memorial Hermann prevented their hospital from securing managed care contracts and in the process violated antitrust laws. Memorial Hermann countered that Houston is a highly competitive health care market and that its negotiations with managed care companies focused on securing the best possible rates for its hospitals and patients, according to a statement by Memorial Hermann. (Houston Business Journal, TX)
Rural Coloradans rack up 2,068 tickets for no seat belts Mar 12, 2010
go away wrote on Mar 7, 2010 4:09 PM:" Spinner, you sinner, tell us the truth. Do you really think the insurance industry has your best interest in mind, even though you pay them for coverage. At one time they owned the banks and most everything else. So if the insurance business was such a poor investment why do they still exist. I forgot do antitrust laws apply to the insurance industry? ". knewit wrote on Mar 7, 2010 2:13 PM:" I wondered how long it would take for someone to spout the tired... (Montrose Daily Press, CO)
BCS head to respond to Senators' questions Mar 11, 2010
Hatch has asked for a Justice Department investigation into whether the BCS violates antitrust laws, arguing that the millions of dollars at stake justify oversight by the federal government. Hatch's home-state team, Utah, didn't play for the national title at the end of the 2008 season despite going undefeated. (ESPN -- College Football)
NCAA lawsuit over player images expands its reach Mar 11, 2010
By Marlen Garcia, USA TODAY Former basketball players from three eras have joined a class-action antitrust lawsuit against the and partner Collegiate Licensing Co., over revenue those entities produce by selling players' images and likenesses in video content and other memorabilia ... "The plaintiffs' claim that the NCAA violates antitrust laws because it somehow prevents former student-athletes from capitalizing on their collegiate images or likenesses is fiction," said Christianson. (USA Today -- Sports)
Salaries spike for college football assistants, successful coaches Mar 10, 2010
"But because of the antitrust laws, we can't engage in collusion with other universities. "There's going to have to be one university out there that says, 'We're going to be fair, we're going to be competitive, but there is a point we're not going to move over. It could be tied to net revenue off what football or basketball does. (USA Today -- Sports)
Watered-down proposal disappointing Mar 9, 2010
Even the talk of revoking the health care industry s exemption from antitrust laws seems to be waning. With the numerous double-digit cost increases proposed by insurance companies nationwide, there is no government outrage where it would make a difference, only sad stories from Main Street that are continuing to fall on deaf ears. (Boston Globe -- Editorial)
3rd Circuit: IRS and H&R Block Cannot Be Sued Over E-Filing Fees Mar 5, 2010
The fees charged by H&R Block and other tax preparers for electronic filing of federal tax returns are not illegal and the IRS's agreement with the preparers didn't violate antitrust laws, the 3rd U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals has ruled. In its 27-page opinio 00004000 n in Byers v. Intuit Inc., a unanimous three-judge panel refused to revive a proposed nationwide class action against H&R Block, Intuit Inc. and the Internal Revenue Service brought by taxpayers who claim the IRS effectively... (Law.com)
Microsoft chief urges scrutiny of Google Mar 3, 2010
Microsoft already has helped convince US regulators that Google would break antitrust laws in two proposed deals: a search advertising partnership with Yahoo that was scrapped in 2008 and a digital books settlement that still needs federal court approval. Yahoo also lobbied regulators to oppose the agreement that would give Google the electronic rights to millions of hard-to-find books. (Boston Globe)
State likely will sit out as newspaper deal moves Feb 28, 2010
"The antitrust laws don't require someone to operate a business that can't make money." ... "The antitrust laws don't require someone to operate a business that can't make money.". (Honolulu Star-Bulletin)
Small Business Feb 27, 2010
02/26/2010 - Updated 02:45 PM ET. Six weeks to start up by Rhonda Abrams. (USA Today -- Money)
NYT analysis: Obama battles to unite Dems Feb 27, 2010
The House on Wednesday passed a stand-alone bill to repeal the insurance industrys exemption from federal antitrust laws by a vote of 406 to 19. Thursdays summit meeting suggested that other ideas, like extending dependent coverage for adult children, could pass by a similarly big margin. (MSNBC -- Health)
FBI hits Toyota suppliers Feb 26, 2010
The Detroit-area headquarters of Denso's US subsidiary was "inspected" by the FBI and the US Justice Department "in regard to US antitrust laws," Gollinger wrote in an e-mail ... US antitrust laws prohibit unfair business practices such as price fixing or bid rigging and are designed to maintain a competitive marketplace. (iAfrica.com)
FCPA Watchdog Unit to Bulk Up Feb 26, 2010
It's used money laundering, wire fraud and antitrust laws, among others, Mendelsohn noted. "They're all tools to be used against corruption.". (Law.com)
Calif. Court Lets Bar Group Withhold Mailing List Feb 26, 2010
"Generally," Mosk wrote, "independent action by a market participant does not violate either the antitrust laws or the UCL, even if that action affects prices.". The court also sloughed off Drum's contention that the association's refusal to sell its list was "immoral, unethical, oppressive, unscrupulous or substantially injurious to consumers.". (Law.com)
Paper was to shut down year ago Feb 26, 2010
But state Attorney General Earl Anzai and a group of community activists filed lawsuits in federal court alleging that the plan to close the paper violated federal and state antitrust laws. A federal judge issued an injunction Oct. 13 to halt the scheduled closing and the ruling was upheld by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. (Honolulu Advertiser)
House Approves Insurance Antitrust Bill Feb 25, 2010
The House of Representatives Overwhelmingly Voted Today to Repeal Health Insurance Companies' Exemption from Antitrust Laws ... (AP) The House has voted to repeal the health insurance industry's exemption from federal antitrust laws, giving Democrats an easy win on health care a day ahead of President Barack Obama's bipartisan health summit. (CBS News -- Health)
AP: Next chapter in digital book deal: Google vs. DOJ Feb 15, 2010
Google retreated the last time that the Justice Department warned the company was pursuing a path that would break antitrust laws, which are designed to prevent businesses from gaining an unfair competitive advantage. To avoid a Justice Department lawsuit alleging antitrust violations, Google called off a proposed plan to sell Internet search ads for Yahoo. (Missourian Publishing, MO)
American Air, Japan Airlines Seek Antitrust Deal Feb 14, 2010
American Airlines said Friday it has asked U.S. regulators to let it work more closely with Japan Airlines without violating antitrust laws ... American said it asked the U.S. Transportation Department for an exemption to antitrust laws to cooperate with Japan Airlines on trans-Pacific routes. (ABC News -- Wire)
Branson slams US airline decision Feb 14, 2010
In the US, antitrust laws prevent businesses from co-ordinating prices and schedules. Immunity from those laws can be granted in certain cases, if it is decided that consumers would benefit more from businesses working together. (BBC News)
Insurer may have violated law, report reveals Feb 10, 2010
The measure limited the cost of policies and made civil rights and antitrust laws apply to the insurance industry. The 275-page report by the state Department of Insurance was authorized for release by Insurance Commissioner Steve Poizner. (San Francisco Chronicle -- Politics)
Feingold's constituents air concerns about health care, agriculture Feb 8, 2010
Feingold said he s working with Antitrust Chief Christine Varney to enforce antitrust laws. I said to her I want her to get tough and talk to some officials in the state of Wisconsin, he said. (Chippewa Falls Chippewa Herald, WI)
Touchdown, New Orleans Feb 7, 2010
The league's club owners desperately needed an exemption from antitrust laws ... But lawyers informed club owners that what they were planning was a clear violation of antitrust laws. (Albany Times Union)
Feature story: The antitrust advocate Feb 6, 2010
The U.S. Justice Department has said the settlement may violate U.S. antitrust laws, meaning it may give Google an unfair edge over its competitors in the market. Google and the authors agreed to revise the deal, and it is those revisions that are being reviewed this month by the court. (Palo Alto Online, CA)
Kohl, Franken Talk Tough To Comcast/NBCU Feb 5, 2010
He said such vertical concentration also has the potential to foreclose competition and violate antitrust laws. "Will Comcast be able to use content as a weapon?," he asked. (Multichannel News)
