District of Columbia Antitrust Laws

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| Last updated June 20, 2016

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The word “trust” means several different things; but in the context of business and commerce, a trust is a business entity (or a combination or agreement among more than one) that results in the unfair restriction of trade. For instance, a company that pursues a hostile takeover of its chief competitor may be blocked by antitrust regulators. Similarly, a price-fixing scheme between competitors would be considered a trust. Federal and state antitrust laws primarily work to prevent the formation of trusts in the first place.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC), meanwhile, tends to monitor and regulate publicly traded corporations and businesses that span state boundaries. The FTC regulates trusts through a few different laws, primarily the Sherman Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act. See the Federal Trade Commission’s Guide to Antitrust Laws to learn more.

Washington, D.C. Antitrust Law at a Glance

Details of the District of Columbia’s antitrust law, including the specific acts which are considered violations, are listed in the following chart.

Antitrust Code Section	28-4501, et seq.; 28-4511
Statutory Purpose of Law	The purpose of this chapter is to promote the unhampered freedom of commerce and industry throughout the District of Columbia by prohibiting restraints of trade and monopolistic practices.
Prohibited Acts	Every contract, combination in the form of a trust or otherwise, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce all or any part of which is within the District of Columbia To monopolize, attempt to monopolize, or combine or conspire with any other person or persons to monopolize any part of trade or commerce, all or any part of which is within the District of Columbia.
Is a Private Lawsuit Possible?	Yes; corporation counsel power to enforce
Time Limit to Bring Claim	4 yrs.
Can a Successful Plaintiff Recover Attorneys’ Fees?	Yes

Note: State laws may change at any time through the enactment of new legislation, decisions from higher courts, and other means. We strive to ensure the accuracy of these pages, but you also may want to contact a District of Columbia antitrust attorney or conduct your own legal research to verify the state law(s) you are researching.

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