One recent case involving Netflix and an ongoing case regarding AT&T's T-Mobile merger have put antitrust issues back into the public eye. While these are large companies involved in major disputes, any business can face antitrust and anti-competition issues.

Antitrust cases are complicated and often involve a wide range of factors. Therefore, if your business is accused of violating the California Unfair Competition Act or federal law, or if you must bring an unfair business practices claim against another business, the best protection you can offer your business is to speak with an experienced business litigation attorney.

Netflix Antitrust Case

The U.S. District Court in Oakland, California, recently dismissed an antitrust case against Netflix, Inc. In In Re Online DVD Rental Antitrust Litigation, consumers alleged that Netflix was creating a monopoly for online video rentals. The lawsuit was filed after Wal-Mart Stores, Inc., closed its own online video rental business, agreeing to refer customers to Netflix.

The court held that the consumers failed to show that these actions were an attempt to prevent competition or that video prices had risen due to the agreement.

AT&T / T-Mobile Merger

While Netflix was able to win its antitrust case, another large company faces significant obstacles. In 2011, AT&T Inc. sought to buy out T-Mobile USA. The Justice Department sued to prevent the merger, stating that it would significantly reduce competition in the cell phone / wireless market. The Federal Communications Commission also opposed the merger.

AT&T would likely face an extensive legal battle if it moved forward with merger. Spokesman Larry Solomon stated that the challenges to the merger were simply "another example of a government agency acting to prevent billions in new investment."

Source: Bloomberg Businessweek, "HSBC, RBS, Madoff, Facebook, AT&T, Lehman in Court News," Elizabeth Amon, Nov. 28, 2011.