Antitrust and Trade Regulation

Our expertise in Antitrust and Trade Regulation matters is unparalleled. The firm's founder, James O. Sullivan, was a pre-eminent antitrust expert and litigator, and we continue to represent domestic and foreign companies in every kind of antitrust investigation and litigation, including criminal and civil actions brought both by private litigants and by governmental enforcement agencies. Matters have included monopolization claims, price-fixing, customer allocation, market division, price discrimination and sales below cost, the tying or bundling of related products, and marketing practices considered unfair competition, misleading or deceptive to consumers. The firm has also handled litigation involving RICO claims, patents, copyrights, trademarks, trade names and trade secrets, areas becoming increasingly important in emerging technologies. We advise foreign and domestic firms as to antitrust restrictions on the pricing and distribution of exports and imports, and on the antitrust implications of joint ventures, mergers and acquisitions. The firm is also experienced with and experts in California's numerous†trade regulation statutes, including those which are not co-extensive with federal law.

Competitive Concerns in Business Transactions
The potential for restrictions on competition and for unfair business practices issues can arise in many ordinary business transactions. We advise clients regarding covenants not to compete, the effect of exclusive arrangements in leases and distribution agreements, state tort claims, business interference claims and other similar issues in a host of business settings.