{"id":371281,"date":"2016-03-31T21:34:18","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:34:18","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-antitrust-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T11:34:00","modified_gmt":"2016-06-20T16:34:00","slug":"alabama-antitrust-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/alabama-law\/alabama-antitrust-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Alabama Antitrust Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Alabama Antitrust Laws<\/h1>\n
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Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last reviewed\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

Consumers and companies have a slightly different view of what the best price is for a particular product. As buyers, we\u2019re always looking for the lowest prices. And companies, while trying to be competitive with their pricing, are usually trying to charge as much as they can for their products. Ideally, this competition is open and kept above board.<\/p>\r\n

But what happens if a few companies conspire to set an inflated price or unite to artificially control supply? Luckily for consumers, the Yellowhammer State has created laws designed to protect open markets and make sure pricing is competitive, transparent, and fair. This is an introduction to antitrust laws in Alabama.<\/p>\r\n

Antitrust Laws<\/h2>\r\n

States have enacted antitrust laws<\/a> in an effort to discourage collusion between companies as well as certain mergers and acquisitions that could give certain companies an unfair competitive advantage in the consumer market. While Alabama\u2019s citizens can bring private lawsuits against companies for antitrust violations, they are barred from recovering can their attorneys’ fees, even if their antitrust claims are successful.<\/p>\r\n

Antitrust Law in Alabama<\/h2>\r\n

Antitrust laws in Alabama are highlighted in the table below. For more extensive information, you can visit FindLaw’s Business Regulations<\/a> section.<\/p>\r\n\r\n

Antitrust Code Section<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Code of Alabama 6-5-60<\/a>: Trusts, Combines, or Monopolies<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Is a Private Lawsuit Possible?<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Yes<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Time Limit to Bring Claim<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

Not specified<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr>

Can a Successful Plaintiff Recover Attorneys’ Fees?<\/b><\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n

No<\/p>\r\n<\/td>\r\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\r\n

Antitrust Enforcement<\/h2>\r\n

While Alabama statutes protect free trade and commerce at the state level by prohibiting unfair restraints, like price fixing and monopolies, the federal government also has antitrust laws. Two federal statutes — the Sherman Act<\/a> and the Clayton Act<\/a> — assist states in prosecuting antitrust claims:<\/p>\r\n