Antitrust & Competition

Ensuring Fair Competition in the Market: The Role of Antitrust and Competition Law

Fairness in the markets is essential for their sustainability and development. In an ideal scenario, with perfect competition, the consumer is sovereign, and their welfare is maximized. However, in reality, markets are often imperfect, and the “invisible hand” described in Adam Smith’s theory doesn’t always align with the best interests of consumers. As a result, we require an external regime to ensure contestability and fairness in markets.

Antitrust and competition laws play a crucial role in maintaining this fairness. These laws are designed to prevent anti-competitive behavior, monopolistic practices, and other actions that can harm consumers or stifle competition. Such practices include the misuse of intellectual property, restrictions imposed by standard-setting organizations, unfair licensing practices, deceptive marketing and distribution strategies, anti-competitive pricing, and problematic mergers and acquisitions.

In India, this regulatory framework is governed by the Competition Act, 2002, which aims to promote and sustain competition in markets, protect consumer interests, and prevent practices that have an adverse effect on competition. This includes addressing cartels, preventing abuse of a dominant position, and ensuring fair trade practices.

Astrea Lawyers handle cases involving various types of unfair competition practices, offering clients legal remedies across a wide array of antitrust and competition law issues. Our team in navigating complex competition law matters such as cartels, anti-competitive agreements, abuse of dominant market positions, and more. With the resources necessary to handle complex antitrust cases, we also provide consultancy services in domestic trade policies, consumer rights, FDI norms, and FEMA compliance.

We offer expert legal services in the following areas of unfair competition:

• Competition Law Litigation
• Domestic Trade Policies Consultancy
• Consumer Rights Protection
• FDI Norms and FEMA Compliance

Our comprehensive approach ensures that businesses can operate fairly within the legal framework, while consumers are protected from exploitative practices.