Competition and Consumer Protection

Antitrust and consumer protection issues are at the forefront of public debate in a way unsurpassed in recent memory. Everything from the very standard by which antitrust regulators assess violations-i.e., the consumer welfare standard-on up is being scrutinized. With a brand new slate of commissioners, the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) is set to hold a series of public hearings during the fall and winter 2018 examining whether broad-based changes in the economy, evolving business practices, new technologies, or international developments might require adjustments to competition and consumer protection law, enforcement priorities, and policy. Following the hearings, the FTC will likely issue one or more reports summarizing the facts, identifying the issues, governing law, and relevant economics, and establishing enforcement guidance for years to come.

Before this process begins, join us for a panel discussion with FTC Commissioner Noah Joshua Phillips, Arnold & Porter Partner Debbie Feinstein, Antonin Scalia Law School Professor John Yun, and Freshfields Bruckhaus Deringer Partner Paul Yde. The panel will explore key issues the hearings will address, and analyze how questions regarding the standard for assessing competitive conduct-and calls to change that standard-would impact enforcement and the economy at large.