{"id":357966,"date":"2016-04-04T10:46:17","date_gmt":"2016-04-04T15:46:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/antitrust-and-trade-regulation.html"},"modified":"2026-01-20T12:03:00","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T17:03:00","slug":"antitrust-and-trade-regulation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/hirealawyer\/choosing-the-right-lawyer\/antitrust-and-trade-regulation.html","title":{"rendered":"What Is Antitrust Law and Trade Regulation?"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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What Is Antitrust Law and Trade Regulation?<\/h1>\n\n
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\n By Susan Buckner, J.D.<\/a> | Legally reviewed by Melissa Bender, Esq.<\/a>\n | Last updated\n
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This article has been written and reviewed for legal accuracy, clarity, and style by FindLaw\u2019s team of legal writers and attorneys<\/a> and in accordance with our editorial standards<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Fact-Checked\n <\/summary>\n\n
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The last updated date refers to the last time this article was reviewed by FindLaw or one of our contributing authors<\/a>. We make every effort to keep our articles updated. For information regarding a specific legal issue affecting you, please contact an attorney in your area<\/a>.<\/em><\/p>\n\n <\/div>\n <\/details>\n<\/section>\n\n\n

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Key Takeaways<\/h2>\n
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Antitrust law and trade regulation protect fair competition by preventing monopolies, price\u2011fixing, and other unfair business practices that harm consumers and small businesses. When companies engage in conduct that restricts competition, antitrust attorneys help investigate, challenge, and resolve those violations.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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Business thrives on fair competition. Because of trade regulation and antitrust laws, consumers have product choices and reasonable prices. Antitrust laws prevent one company from\u00a0monopolizing\u00a0a commercial sector. Small businesses enjoy open trade and fair business practices.<\/p>\n

The Federal Trade Commission<\/a> (FTC) oversees interstate antitrust laws. States have their own antitrust laws based on federal laws. Small business owners are more likely to encounter legal issues with state antitrust laws than federal ones.<\/p>\n

This article explains antitrust and trade laws. You’ll also learn who may need an antitrust lawyer<\/a> and how to find qualified legal help in your area.<\/p>\n

What Does Antitrust and Trade Regulation Law Cover?<\/strong><\/h2>\n

Antitrust law prevents restraint of trade and unfair business practices. The first federal antitrust law, the Interstate Commerce Act<\/a>, became law in 1887 to regulate railroad prices. Other federal laws against unfair trade practices, such as monopolies and price fixing, soon followed.<\/p>\n

The Sherman Act<\/a>\u00a0bans\u00a0monopolies and collusion\u00a0between companies to set prices. Monopolization happens when a company has exclusive control over a market niche because it unlawfully suppressed other competition.<\/p>\n

The Clayton Act<\/a> bans activities that can result in monopolization by promoting unfair competition. Some of these activities can lead to antitrust litigation by the FTC. If consumers know\u00a0of these actions, they should report them to the FTC (through the\u00a0Antitrust Complaint Intake<\/a>) or to <\/span>the state antitrust office. Prohibited activities include:<\/p>\n