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The article discusses state licensing, focusing on an antitrust case in the U.S. Supreme Court over whether state licensing boards can operate without government oversight. Topics include the dispute between the U.S. Federal Trade Commission and the North Carolina Board of Dental Examiners that started the case; a discussion whether the Board's cease and desist letters constitutes unfair competition; and a discussion of consumer safety.

The article discusses rising imports of steel into the U.S. that have prompted complaints from U.S. steel makers about unfair competition. During 2013 U.S. steel producers filed 38 trade complaints, the most in a dozen years. A report from the Alliance for American Manufacturing blames imports from China. U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown is among those calling for tariffs on imported steel.

The article discusses the slowed rate of economic growth in China as of June 2013, with information on the increasing amount of government subsidies to industry. Topics include a comparison of subsidies to corporate profits of companies listed on Chinese stock exchanges, subsidies received by the electric power company China Yangtze Power Co., and the efforts by the European Union (EU) trade commission to investigate allegations of unfair trade practices in Chinese telecommunication groups.

The article reports that the U.S. Department of Commerce has increased tariffs on solar panels and solar cells imported from China. The department stated that financial assistance from China's government given the manufacturers of the solar energy equipment was an unfair trade practice. The imposition of the tariffs is discussed as an indication of a worsening dispute between the two countries over trade policies.

The article reports that an antidumping lawsuit was filed by the U.S. steel industry against China. In terms of international trade law, dumping is defined as the act of a manufacturer in one country exporting a product to another country at a price which is either below the price it charges in its home market or is below its costs of production. Commentary is provided by Roger Schagrin, one of the lead attorneys for the group of seven U.S. companies that brought the suit to court.

The article reports that the music industry is suing XM Satellite Radio over its new Inno device, which allows listeners to record songs as they hear them. The Recording Industry Association of America charged XM with copyright infringement, unauthorized digital delivery, reproduction infringement and unfair competition.

Focuses on retailer Overstock.com Inc.'s president, Patrick Byrne, who has publicly argued with stock-research firm Gradient Analytics Inc. and hedge fund Rocker Partners LP, run by David Rocker. Highlights of the increasingly heated stock-market battle; Background on Byrne, who has directed criticism at Rocker; Losses at Overstock; Accusations by Byrne during a widely disseminated conference call; Overstock's lawsuit against several individuals and entities that Overstock alleges are part of the effort to drive down the company's shares; Overview of the dispute.

Discusses a ruling by the U.S. Federal Communications Commission concerning Internet access. The conflict resulting from Madison River Communications blocking out Vonage Holdings Corp.'s Internet phone service; Intervention of the FCC between phone and cable companies, which offer consumers high-speed Internet access, against technology companies such as Microsoft Corp. and companies that provide online content such as Walt Disney Co.; The argument for "net neutrality" and the implication for competition and the future of the World Wide Web; Examples of conflicts of interest in business where the government has intervened; The new FCC rule that phone companies do not have to share their DSL lines to rival Internet service providers; Criticism of the FCC decision because it affects consumer rights; Trade associations that lobbied for the net neutrality standard; Concern about degradation of service and prioritizing network traffic; The reason broadband network owners routinely block access and monitor the amount of data being transmitted.

Focuses on a high-profile antitrust suit, in which Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD) accuses Intel Corporation of illegally maintaining a monopoly on the market for the most popular variety of microprocessors. AMD's contention that its rival used a combination of improper financial inducements and threats to dissuade companies that dared to consider using AMD chips; Significance of the suit, which was filed in Delaware; How it could unearth new details about questionable dealings in the computer industry; Details of the lawsuit; How AMD gathered evidence from computer makers, distributors and retailers to support its claims; Role of the evidence in determining whether the company can convince the Federal Trade Commission to bring antitrust accusations of its own against Intel; Outlook.

Examines international competition in the plastic bag industry. Number of jobs lost by Sonoco Products Co., a plastic bag manufacturer, as the result of overseas competition; Details of a petition filed with the International Trade Commission by Sonoco and other makers of plastic shopping bags, charging China, Thailand and Malaysia were violating antidumping laws; Companies in support of the petition that have ties to foreign companies, suggesting a complicated issue; Market shares of the U.S. plastic bag industry, indicating a rise in foreign companies' share.

Focuses on two lawyers, Brad Smith and Thomas Vinje, who are working on opposite sides of antitrust case involving Microsoft Corp. and European rivals. Year in which these two lawyers faced each other in the first round of antitrust charges against Microsoft and European rivals; Details of the charges against Microsoft, including that the software maker "bundles" new features into its Windows operating system, resulting in unfair competition; Discussion of Windows Media Player, which is used to play digital songs and videos; When the European Commission sent its final warning to Microsoft regarding punishment unless the company changes the way it sells its products and discloses more information about its software; Vinje's involvement in a case in American against Microsoft on behalf of the Communications Industry Association, whose members include Sun Microsystems Inc. and Yahoo Inc.

The article reports on the policy statement released by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) on August 13, 2015 which outlines the basic principles it will use when taking actions about unfair competition.

The article reports on formal inquiries sent by the U.S. Justice Department to movie theater chains Regal Entertainment Group and AMC Entertainment Holdings Inc. in connection with an investigation into potentially anti-competitive conduct.

The article states that U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta heard opening statements during a hearing on a challenge by the U.S. agency the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to the proposed $3.5 billion merger between U.S. food-distribution companies Sysco Corp. and US Foods Inc. on May 5, 2015. According to the article, the FTC argued that the two companies were distinct from other food-distribution businesses and smaller firms would be harmed by a merger.

The article reports the move by the French government in mid-December 2014 to ban the Uberpop service of car-hailing firm Uber Technologies Inc. as taxis in France staged a protest against Uber's unfair competition practices.

Reports on the United States Federal Trade Commission's expansion of its probe of major pharmaceutical firms to determine whether they area unfairly stifling generic competition. Drug price concerns which prompted the investigation; Pharmaceutical deals being studied by the commission; Response of firms on the investigation.

The article reports that the European Union (EU) plans to investigate alleged unfair trade practices by Chinese telecommunications network-equipment suppliers Huawei Technologies Co. and ZTE Corp. in May 2013, and discusses the concerns of European firms on potential backlash by Chinese officials.

The article discusses concerns in the European Union (EU) about strong competition from Chinese companies in the solar-panel and telecommunications industries, and reports the EU has proposed raising tariffs on certain foreign firms that enjoy subsidies from their governments, and giving the European Commission broader power to initiate investigations of unfair trade practices.

The article criticizes U.S. politicians who claim that China is engaging in unfair foreign trade practices, including currency manipulation, citing figures on the growth in U.S. exports to China between 2002 and 2012 and on the U.S.-made content of China's exports.

The article reports that the Chinese government has defended its foreign-investment policies against criticisms from the U.S. by blaming unfair trading practices of U.S. with Chinese companies in 2011.

The article reports on a raid at the office of web-based company Google Inc. in Seoul, South Korea by the Korean Fair Trade Commission for alleged unfair trade in the country's mobile-search-engine market in September 2011.

The article reports on a lawsuit filed by French Internet search firm 1plusV on June 28, 2011 against Google Inc. and Google France for alleged anticompetitive behavior.

The article reports on the investigation carried out by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) against Google Inc. over alleged unfair competition, which is seen as a repeat of antitrust cases filed by the U.S. Department of Justice against Microsoft Corp.

The article comments on a complaint filed by Microsoft to the European Commission against Google's allegedly anticompetitive behavior, which restricts innovation and customer services.

The article reports on the decision of the U.S. on February 11, 2011, that it will file a complaint against China at the World Trade Organization (WTO) over foreign-payment restrictions and anti-dumping duties imposed on certain U.S. steel in 2009.

The article reports on the criticism expressed by Sharp Corp. president Mikio Katayama against the Japanese government for allegedly facilitating an unfair competition resulting from the appreciation of the yen and the corporate-tax rate in the country which place his company at a disadvantage against South Korean rivals.

This article reports that the United States Federal Trade Commission will investigate whether Apple Inc.'s business practices infringe on and harm the competition in the market for software used by mobile devices.

The article reports on the move by conglomerate Hyosung Corp. to withdraw from its bid for a majority stake in memory chip manufacturer Hynix Semiconductor Inc. The conglomerate explained in a regulatory filing that the decision to drop the bid was due to unfounded speculation and rumors that a special-interest party is favoring it, compromising fair bidding. It mentions that nine creditors are aiming to sell their combined 28.07% stake in the chip manufacturer in a bid to be reimbursed of their investment.

The article reports on the plan of European Union (EU) finance ministers to discuss how to end the reliance of their economies and the banking sector on state aid, in a meeting set for November 9 and 10, 2009. Based on a document reviewed by Dow Jones Newswires, one plan the ministers will talk about may possibly end government guarantees for bank debt before the expiration of much of the aid. There are concerns that government guarantees could create unfair competition between banks in the EU.

The article reports on the statement of a consultant about the knowledge of the California Public Employees' Retirement System (Calpers) on the alleged uncompetitive rates it paid on foreign-exchange (forex) trades prior to the filing of a lawsuit by California against State Street. The court documents noted the claim by the state on the alleged overcharging on Calpers and the California State Teachers' Retirement System made by the bank. Neil Record of Record Currency Management said that his firm recorded the absence of time stamps in all trades.

The article reports on the dilemma facing the European Union (EU) on whether to ratify its trade pact with South Korea after the automobile industries claimed it would lead to surge in cheap South Korean car imports. The industries said that the pact will provide their South Korean counterparts an unfair advantage as it would eliminate tariffs. The European Commission noted it would save EU exporters 1.6 billion euros in tariffs. Under the deal, EU automakers pay an 8% tariff for exports in South Korea while the latter pay 10% for exports to EU.

The article reports on the ruling of the European Court of Justice on October 6, 2009 which ordered regulators to consider a plea by GlaxoSmithKline PLC which requested for an exemption from competition policies in order to prevent parallel traders, who purchase drugs in markets that set price cap to resell them at higher value. It states the alleged violation of common-market policies by the firm, as claimed by the European Commission in 2001. The ruling supported a lower-court verdict about the failure of the commission to fully review the request.

The article focuses on a cease-and-desist order released by Japan's Fair Trade Commission to Qualcomm Inc. due to the company's alleged use of its market dominance to hinder handset manufacturers in the country from fighting for their intellectual property rights. It notes the statement of the commission about the implication of the license agreements of Qualcomm for Japanese firms. Also cited is the fine imposed by South Korean antitrust officials on Qualcomm for allegedly abusing its market position in offering chips to mobile telephone manufacturers.

The article reports on the decision of China to approve the planned acquisition of major shares in Delphi Corp. by General Motors (GM) Co. after an antitrust review. The U.S. and the European Union (EU) had previously approved the deal following a court ruling that allows Delphi to sell assets to its lenders and GM. Delphi has 21 manufacturing sites and 17 wholly owned entities and joint ventures in China. To address competition concerns, the Chinese government set conditions for the deal including preventing both companies from exchanging trade secrets.

The article reports on the official commencement of investigation into some unfair imports of chicken products from the U.S. by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. Domestic companies are complaining to the ministry about some imports that are being dumped in the Chinese market and also benefit from subsidies. The investigation is expected to be completed by the end of September 27, 2009.

The article reports on the decision of South Korea Fair Trade Commission to fine Qualcomm Inc. 260 billion won after concluding that the U.S. company abused its dominant position in selling chips to cellphone makers in the country. Qualcomm said that it would appeal the decision by the South Korean antitrust agency. The company reportedly charges patent royalties to cellphone makers that use code-division multiple access (CDMA) besides selling chips.

The article reports on the decision of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to approve the plan of Continental Airlines Inc. to enter a cooperative agreement with nine other airlines for international routes despite objections from the Justice Department. The plan, according to the Justice Department, will have a negative impact on consumers and competition. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood believed that the decision will preserve jobs in the airlines industry.

The article reports on the agreement of two American Express Co. units to pay $500,000 in penalties after being cited by U.S. regulators for unfair practices involving convenience checks. According to the U.S. Office of Thrift Supervision and Federal Deposit Insurance Corp., the charge-card company offered the checks to customers and then it refused to honor some of them, which resulted in returned check fees and other costs. The company also agreed to reimburse customers $160 for each declined check, in addition to the penalties.

This article reports on the anti-dumping complaint filed by Florida Citrus Mutual, the largest group of citrus growers in Florida, with the U.S. Department of Commerce against Citrovita, a Brazilian orange juice processor owned by Votarantim. Florida Citrus Mutual alleged that Citrovita is selling orange juice on the U.S. market at prices well below its cost of production. It is noted that Brazil leads the world in citrus juice exports.

The article reveals the plan of Belgian anti-trust authorities to investigate whether brewing giant Anheuser-Busch InBev NV has been using its dominant position in the beer market to wrestle unfair deals with its suppliers, according to Belgian Economics Minister Vincent Van Quickenborne. He says the investigation has implication for the Belgian market. The focus of the investigation will be on the firm's relationship with its malt suppliers, Van Quickenborne adds.

The article reports that the Florida Citrus Mutual (FCM), the largest citrus-producer representative in Florida, is examining whether one or more Brazilian juice processors are dumping orange juice on the U.S. market below production costs. FCM represents about 8,000 citrus growers in the state. One of FCM roles is to protect its members from what it perceives as unfair trade practices.

The article reports on a lawsuit filed by Merrill Lynch against Deutsche Bank over the hiring of former Merrill Lynch treasurer Eric Heaton and 11 members of its financial-institutions group. The bank believes that the mass resignations by the said people were part of a plot by Deutsche Bank to raid a key Merrill Lynch business unit in violation of its trade secret and fiduciary rights. The suit alleges unfair competition and breach of contract, among others.

This article states that the European Union (EU) has voted for punitive anti-dumping tariffs on imports of U.S. biodiesel for six months. The move by the EU is threatening an industry that in 2008 saw $1.5 billion sales to Europe. The vote of the EU's committee of trade officials came in the middle of declining oil price and growing protectionism across the world. It explains that Europe is an important market for U.S. biodiesel.

The article reports on the call of British regulators to sell British airports owned by BAA Ltd. The British Competition Commission requires BAA to sell three of its airports including Gatwick and Stansted in London and Edinburgh airport in Scotland. The initiative was carried out due to competition problems at each of the BAA's British airports. Christopher Clarke reiterated the need for separate ownership, which according to him, would result to greater incentive. But, the company disagreed with the ruling and will pursue for an appeal.

The author assesses the impact of government regulatory intervention on the $5.08 billion sale of National City Bank to PNC Financial Services Group. She argues that potential acquirers have found themselves competing against the U.S. government through the federal government's Troubled Asset Relief Program (TARP). She details the event that led to National City's decision to find private buyers while waiting for government assistance.

The article reports on the tie-up between British retailer Tesco PLC and the Indian conglomerate Tata Group. The tie-up highlights the arrival of a big multinational retailer that is expected to further fuel and sustain Tata's expansion despite opposition from small store owners complaining of unfair competition. According to Lucy Neville-Rolfe, Tesco director of corporate and legal affairs, they intend to open up their own stores in India as soon as government restrictions in this regard are eased.

The article reports that the U.S. pushed for China and other countries to remove trade barriers, took a tough stand on Chinese goods and allowed U.S. companies to apply for sanctions against foreign rivals before the collapse of the Doha Round of global trade talks. One company that benefited was Wheatland Tube Co., which was threatened by the rising shipments of Chines pipes. Critics of the free trade in U.S. are pushing to combat unfair labor practices and further trade liberalization. China and Chinese companies are the biggest targets of complaints.

The article reports on the $200 million settlement between Amgen Inc. and the Ortho Biotech Products unit of Johnson & Johnson. Amgen has agreed to settle an antitrust lawsuit filed by Ortho over the oncology product sales of the former. Ortho has claimed that the discounts and incentives offered by Amgen to oncology clinics that purchase its blood-cell-boosting products Aranesp, Neupogen and Neulasta are considered anticompetitive business practices. The settlement would provide Johnson & Johnson an after-tax gain of about $120 million.

The article reports on a lawsuit filed by Florida Attorney General Bill McCollum against Countrywide Financial Corp. and its chief executive officer (CEO) Angelo Mozilo for alleged deceptive and unfair trade practices in Boward County. McCollum alleges that the company has put borrowers into mortgages they could not afford or loans with misleading rates and penalties. The lawsuit seeks civil penalties and damages. He says that the state is continuing its investigation against the company.

The article reports on an investigation being conducted by European Union (EU) in 2008 to assess whether drug companies have used unfair strategies to prevent competition and increase prices. Neelie Kroes, antitrust chief of the EU, said that the investigators were examining whether branded-drug firms were paying generic drug manufacturers to maintain their low cost pills. The EU questions the distribution methods of such companies in Europe.