The National Association of Attorneys General was founded in 1907 initially to create a forum for state attorneys general to discuss a common approach to antitrust issues related to the Standard Oil Company. Since then, antitrust efforts have consistently been a core aspect of the attorney general’s role.
Antitrust laws are based on the proposition that strong competition among different firms is best for the economy as a whole and results in the best prices and quality for consumers. In addition to federal statutes, including the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 and the Clayton Antitrust Act of 1914, almost every state has similar laws that prohibit price-fixing and monopolization. Attorneys general have the ability to enforce both federal and state antitrust laws on behalf of the state and its citizens, both individually and as part of a multistate group.
Visit the following pages to learn more about:
- Antitrust laws and the enforcement role of attorneys general.
- The Multistate Task Force responsible for coordinating multistate antitrust litigation efforts.
- Amicus briefs submitted in antitrust cases by attorneys general.
- Press releases related to antitrust actions by attorneys general.
In addition to attorneys general, the following entities also enforce antitrust laws and cooperate with attorneys general on various cases:
- The U.S. Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division
- The Federal Trade Commission’s Bureau of Competition
- Private parties who have standing as an injured party
State Antitrust Litigation and Settlement Database
NAAG has created the State Antitrust Litigation Database to provide a single source for all antitrust cases brought by state attorneys general, to give a complete view of the state attorney general role in antitrust enforcement, and provide factual background and empirical evidence about how state attorneys general enforce state and federal antitrust laws.
Courses and Trainings
Policy Letters
- Antitrust
NAAG Endorses State Antitrust Enforcement Venue Act of 2021
State attorneys general around the country are actively pursuing significant antitrust enforcement actions on behalf of consumers in their respective states.
- Antitrust
NAAG Asks Congress to Support State Antitrust Efforts
As Congress once again considers antitrust reform measures that will have significant impacts on our citizens and business communities for years to come, we encourage you to enhance the antitrust enforcement capabilities of the states, in addition to federal agencies. We thank you for your leadership on this important matter.
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