FTC Says It’s Keeping An Eye On Trade Groups

The Federal Trade Commission recently issued a press release warning trade groups and their members that “there are no special antitrust rules for trade associations.” An Arent Fox client alert notes that the FTC’s statement is especially interesting because rather than dealing with any particular case, it is a general reminder. The statement says that the FTC “remains vigilant about trade association activity that restrains competition among the members without a legitimate business justification.” The law firm alert provides two check lists for avoiding problems, one for trade associations themselves and the other for individual member companies. The FTC release notes that it will provide a staff advisory opinion to trade groups that are contemplating a rule change they think might raise antitrust concerns.