{"id":374568,"date":"2016-03-31T21:35:49","date_gmt":"2016-04-01T02:35:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/content.findlaw-admin.com\/ability-law\/state\/montana-law\/montana-antitrust-laws.html"},"modified":"2016-06-20T19:48:40","modified_gmt":"2016-06-21T00:48:40","slug":"montana-antitrust-laws","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.findlaw.com\/state\/montana-law\/montana-antitrust-laws.html","title":{"rendered":"Montana Antitrust Laws"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
\n \n
\n

Montana Antitrust Laws<\/h1>\n
\n
\n

Created by FindLaw’s team<\/a> of legal writers and editors<\/i><\/p>\n\n | Last updated\n

\n \n <\/i>\n Legally Reviewed\n <\/summary>\n\n
\n

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
\n

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

You\u2019ve probably heard of the mysteriously vague \u201cmarket\u201d in different contexts. Investors know of the stock market and the bond market. Employers know about the labor market. Merchants in various fields operate in their respective markets too. Truth is, there is a \u201cmarket\u201d whenever two or more people engage to exchange something \u2013 from stocks and bonds to carrot sticks and candy bars.<\/p>\n

Antitrust laws help ensure that markets stay open to competition and free of monopolies and unfair practices. Federal and state antitrust laws are on the books to accomplish this purpose. Here\u2019s a brief summary of Montana\u2019s antitrust laws.<\/p>\n

Montana\u2019s Antitrust Laws<\/h2>\n

Montana antitrust laws prohibit business practices intended to create monopolies, injure or destroy competition, and fix prices. Businesses cannot sell something at less than its cost, enter into agreements to fix prices or reduce production (which raises prices), or agree not to manufacture, sell, or transport an item below a certain price.<\/p>\n

There are prohibitions on selling or purchasing something for more in one part of the state and less in another with the intent to hurt competition. Economists call this \u201cpredatory pricing,\u201d but it really amount to forcing a competitor to go out of business by selling cheap or buying high. There are also laws against pooling grain and destroying food, both of which can affect prices.<\/p>\n

What Happens to Businesses that Break the Rules?<\/h2>\n

There are different ways to take action. Anyone can file a complaint<\/a> with the Montana Department of Justice. Montana law permits the department to investigate antitrust violations and order the offender to stop. Both the department and any affected person can file a lawsuit as well. Montana permits prevailing plaintiffs to recover treble damages, obtain injunctive relief, and receive attorney fees and litigation costs. Businesses can lose their charter and be permanently banned from doing business in Montana again. There are also criminal penalties on the books.<\/p>\n\n
Antitrust Code Sections<\/b><\/td>\nMontana Code Annotated 30-14-201, et seq.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Can I File a Complaint?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, with the Montana Department of Justice.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Is a Private Lawsuit Possible?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, anyone who is injured or will be injured can sue. Plaintiffs can obtain injunctive relief and treble damages (30-14-222).<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Time Limit to Bring Claim<\/b><\/td>\nNot specified.<\/td>\n<\/tr>
Can a Successful Plaintiff Recover Attorneys’ Fees?<\/b><\/td>\nYes, both fees and litigation costs (30-14-222).<\/td>\n<\/tr><\/tbody><\/table>\n

Related Resources for Antitrust Laws<\/h2>\n

Antitrust is a complex field that often requires specialized training. You can learn more about state antitrust laws<\/a> and antitrust laws<\/a> in general here. If you or someone you know has suffered due to unfair business practices, consider speaking with a Montana antitrust lawyer<\/a> to determine your available options.<\/p>\n

\n \n Was this helpful?<\/span>\n \n Yes<\/span>\n \n \n \n <\/path>\n <\/g>\n \n \n <\/rect>\n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n \n No<\/span>\n \n \n \n \n <\/g>\n \n \n \n <\/clipPath>\n <\/defs>\n <\/svg>\n <\/i>\n <\/button>\n <\/div>\n <\/span>\n