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FTC takes Total Wine to Federal Court over antitrust case
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken Total Wine to federal court over an antitrust case, seeking court intervention to enforce a subpoena related to an ongoing investigation into Southern Glazer's Wine & Spirits. The FTC filed a petition in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia to force Total Wine to comply with a civil investigative demand (CID), which is an administrative subpoena that seeks documents and other information related to the antitrust probe.


Consumer watchdog says Google antitrust trial indicates a shift in regulatory approach
Antitrust

With the U.S. government's antitrust lawsuit against Google underway, Patrick Hedger, Executive Director of the Taxpayers Protection Alliance, says that the lawsuit reflects a shift in antitrust policy, prioritizing the interests of competitors over consumer welfare. He goes on to suggest that the government's approach signifies a broader strategy to regulate various aspects of the economy to promote a more interventionist model of competition.


Tech association president highlights lack of consumer harm in Google antitrust trial
Antitrust

Matt Shruers, president of the Computer & Communications Industry Association (CCIA), has criticized the government's antitrust lawsuit against Google, suggesting that the government is trying to push consumers towards a less preferred product simply because they believe Google is too big. In an interview with Federal Newswire, Shruers expressed concern over the government's attempt to drive consumers away from Google Search, which is a product that consumers generally prefer.


Individuals classified as 'special interest aliens' apprehended at border
Antitrust

U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) has confirmed the apprehension of four Iranians since the beginning of October.


San Diego faces crisis as U.S. Border Patrol releases thousands of migrants
Antitrust

Approximately 13,000 migrants have been released at transit stations in San Diego since September 13, with 500 more arriving daily, according to AP News. This has created an "unprecedented humanitarian crisis" in the city, as U.S. Border Patrol releases migrants onto the streets due to overcrowded shelters. The situation is putting a strain on local charities and aid organizations, who are struggling to cope with the influx of migrants and the lack of government funding.


DOJ's antitrust advocacy called into question by Chamber of Commerce leader
Antitrust

In a recent article published on the U.S. Chamber of Commerce website, Sean Heather, the Senior Vice President of International Regulatory Affairs and Antitrust at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, criticizes the Department of Justice's (DOJ) track record in antitrust cases and raises concerns about bias in legal proceedings.


TPPF Director of Litigation: 'Texans should celebrate that S.B. 1111 will continue to remain in effect'
Antitrust

The U.S. Supreme Court has upheld a Texas election law known as S.B. 1111, which aims to ensure that Texans vote in the correct precinct corresponding to their current residence. The law has been defended by the Texas Public Policy Foundation (TPPF) and the Texas Attorney General’s Office, and its affirmation by the Supreme Court has been met with celebration.


FTC takes action on Quantum, EQT energy deal over antitrust concerns
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has taken action on the $5.2 billion cash-and-stock deal between private equity firm Quantum Energy Partners and natural gas producer EQT Corporation due to antitrust concerns. The announcement highlights the significant competition between Quantum and EQT in the Appalachian Basin, which is recognized as the U.S.'s premier natural gas-producing region.


PayPal accused of anticompetitive pricing
Antitrust

A class-action lawsuit has been filed against PayPal, accusing the e-commerce payment supplier of engaging in anticompetitive practices that result in higher transaction fees for consumers. The lawsuit alleges that PayPal's "draconian" anti-steering policies restrict competition from more affordable payment platforms, leading to consumers paying excess charges. The lawsuit, filed on October 5, 2023, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, was spearheaded by attorneys at Hagens Berman.


Maloney: Khan's antitrust shift threatens private equity's role in bolstering U.S. economy
Antitrust

Drew Maloney, president and CEO of the American Investment Council, warns that Lina Khan's antitrust agenda may harm the U.S. economy by undermining the significant contributions of private equity to small businesses and healthcare, according to a Financial Times opinion piece from late last month.


Former US Congresswoman: 'Internet users see Google as the best search engine, and they overwhelmingly prefer it'
Antitrust

Amid the Department of Justice's big tech antitrust lawsuit, a former US Congresswoman from Virginia says the American public's preference for Google does not warrant accusations of a monopoly.


FTC and FCC strengthen international partnership against spam and scams
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) have strengthened their international partnership in the fight against spam, scams, and unauthorized telemarketing activities. The two agencies have signed a renewed Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Unsolicited Communications Enforcement Network (UCENet), a group of public authorities dedicated to combating unsolicited communications.


NetChoice defends Google as DOJ launches antitrust case, questions motives behind the lawsuit
Antitrust

Aiming to scrutinize Google's market success and the popularity of its search engine, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) has begun its antitrust trial against Google in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia. The lawsuit is perceived by some as an attempt to reshape antitrust law to align with a more progressive stance.


FTC and Department of Labor join forces to protect workers from unfair practices
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL) have joined forces to protect workers from unfair practices, according to a new agreement signed by both agencies. The partnership aims to promote competitive labor markets and put an end to deceptive and unlawful acts and practices that harm workers.


FTC widens investigation into Amazon, cites high-level executives in updated lawsuit over Prime subscription tactics
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has expanded its investigation into Amazon, naming three high-level executives in an amended complaint regarding the company's Prime subscription tactics. The lawsuit, filed on September 20, 2023, includes internal emails that suggest these executives were aware of the deceptive practices involved in enrolling consumers into Prime without their consent and making it difficult for them to cancel their subscriptions.


Anticompetitive practices in the Texas anesthesiology market
Antitrust

Anticompetitive Practices in the Texas Anesthesiology Market: FTC Takes Legal Action Against USAP and Welsh Carson


Chamber of Progress CEO: 'DOJ's antitrust case against Google has gone off the rails'
Antitrust

Adam Kovacevich, the CEO and founder of the tech industry coalition Chamber of Progress, said the Department of Justice's (DOJ) statements about the Russian government show that its case against Google has derailed. DOJ attorneys commended the Russian government for implementing a choice screen for search engines during ongoing antitrust litigation against Google.


Antitrust

The U.S. Chamber of Commerce has submitted a petition to the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) requesting changes to the recusal process in order to promote transparency and public trust. The Chamber emphasized the important role played by the FTC in enforcing antitrust and consumer protection laws and expressed concerns about potential conflicts of interest. The petition specifically referenced FTC Chair Lina Khan's alleged failure to recuse herself in the Meta case, despite advice from ethics officials. As a result, the Chamber called for a formalized recusal process that...


Antitrust

In a historic case, J&J Korea Inc., a South Korean company, has been fined $9 million in a U.S. federal court for bid rigging and fraud related to U.S. military projects in South Korea. This ruling sets a precedent in the investigation of bid rigging and fraud involving U.S. military facilities in the country.


FTC's Henry Liu: 'This deal as originally structured would have reduced competition in key areas of the mortgage origination process, raising costs for lenders and homebuyers'
Antitrust

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has reached an agreement with Intercontinental Exchange (ICE) and Black Knight to address antitrust concerns arising from ICE's $13.1 billion acquisition of Black Knight, the FTC said in an Aug. 31 press release.