Allen focuses his practice on complex business and corporate litigation and represents companies of all sizes in a variety of high-stakes matters, including those involving antitrust issues and commercial disputes.
As we adapt to the “new normal,” producers and suppliers at all levels of the distribution chain must continue to be cognizant of their pricing and the laws that seek to place a ceiling on those prices. Cases continue to be brought and legislation proposed.… Continue Reading
With any large crisis, litigation follows and that will certainly be the case with the COVID-19 pandemic. In the third and final installment of our podcast series on consumer protection and antitrust concerns during COVID-19, Jay Levine, host and partner at Porter Wright, talks to attorney Allen Carter, about the areas where businesses may be … Continue Reading
Though at times a return to normalcy may seem far off, it makes sense to contemplate what the legal landscape will look like when the current COVID-19 crisis abates, and what we can do now to protect ourselves as best we can. That’s what we explore in our third and final installment on antitrust and … Continue Reading
If you’ve been to the store lately, you know there are a few things that are hard to find and others are increasing in price. But when does stocking up turn into hoarding or demand driving up prices turn into price gouging? In the second of a three-part series on consumer protection and antitrust concerns … Continue Reading
In our first installment and podcast, we discussed antitrust enforcement in the COVID-19 era. Now, we’d like to discuss price gouging, which in many ways is the polar opposite of antitrust law. Antitrust laws are based, at least partly, on the principle that fair and open competition allows resources to be allocated most efficiently. It … Continue Reading
During the COVID-19 pandemic, we’ve seen companies collaborating on some great ideas. Companies should keep in mind, however, that the antitrust laws still apply and those who don’t follow them may pay dearly later. In the first of a three-part series about antitrust and consumer protection during COVID-19, host Jay Levine talks to Porter Wright … Continue Reading
Let’s face it, antitrust concerns probably do not top your list of legal concerns at this time. So, it is fair to ask whether companies should worry much about antitrust right now. The short answer is, yes. The rules have not changed, and those who do not heed them now may pay dearly later. At … Continue Reading
In its continuing fight against rising healthcare costs, the Justice Department (DOJ) has sued Charlotte, North Carolina’s largest healthcare system for using a common healthcare contracting tool, the anti-steering clause. U.S. and the State of North Carolina v. The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Hospital Authority, d/b/a Carolinas Healthcare System (CHS), Case No. 3:16-cv-00311, filed on June 9, 2016. … Continue Reading
DOJ’s Antitrust Division is headed by an Assistant Attorney General, who is assisted by several Deputies, referred to as DAAGs (Deputy Assistant Attorneys General). In one presentation, the various DAAGs presented their view on the Division’s enforcement efforts, both civil and criminal. Continuing our series on the 2016 Spring Meeting, Allen summarizes their presentation so you … Continue Reading
On August 13, the FTC issued its “Statement of Enforcement Principles Regarding ‘Unfair Methods of Competition’ Under Section 5 of the FTC Act.” The 1-page policy statement provides a general framework for the Commission’s exercise of its “standalone” Section 5 authority to fight anticompetitive acts or practices. A bit of context might help to understand … Continue Reading
State bar associations and other licensing boards were left like bleeding seals in shark-infested waters following the United States Supreme Court’s landmark decision this February in North Carolina State Board of Dental Examiners v. Federal Trade Commission, 135 S. Ct. 1101. The decision held that a state agency controlled by active participants in the market … Continue Reading
The FTC sent a message to “patent trolls” earlier this month, though how well that message will resonate remains to be seen. On Nov. 6, the FTC’s Bureau of Consumer Protection concluded its investigation into MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC’s practices involving its so-called “inquiry letters” by agreeing to accept a consent order. The consent order … Continue Reading
Have to give them an “A” for effort. “Patent troll” MPHJ Technology Investments, LLC sued the FTC hoping to shut down its investigation into the company because the investigation violated MPHJ’s First Amendment rights to petition. A West Texas federal judge recently ruled that MPHJ could not “derail” the FTC investigation with such a claim. … Continue Reading