What actions are considered a violation of antitrust laws?

Price-fixing and collusion are actions that directly violate antitrust laws designed to promote fair competition in the marketplace. When businesses engage in price-fixing, they agree to set prices at a certain level, rather than allowing the market to determine prices based on supply and demand. This undermines competition and can lead to artificially inflated prices for consumers.

Collusion occurs when competing businesses communicate and cooperate to limit competition, often through agreeing on pricing, market shares, or other competitive practices. Such actions can severely restrict free market dynamics, harming consumers by reducing choices and increasing prices.

Antitrust laws aim to protect consumers and ensure a competitive market environment, which is essential for innovation and fair pricing. Thus, engaging in price-fixing and collusion poses a clear violation of these laws, as they inhibit the core principles of competition.