Last week, the Federal Trade Commission brought the first Robinson-Patman Act enforcement action in a generation in a case that will have ripple effects across all markets for goods. The RPA prohibits price discrimination when buyers purchase goods in similar quantities or volumes, guaranteeing the same discounts big retailers get are accessible to all retailers and wholesalers who buy in similar quantities.
“The FTC’s action shows that the Robinson-Patman Act is still relevant and vital today because fairness and competition aren’t antiquated concepts in the 21st century,” said NCPA Vice President and General Counsel Matt Seiler, RN, Esq. in a press release from the Main Street Competition Coalition, a broad alliance of businesses across industries supporting the use of the RPA, of which NCPA is a member.
“This enforcement action sends a strong message to dominant firms that they can no longer disregard a law that is still in effect,” he said.
You can read the MSCC statement here.
