FTC Launches Competition Task Force to Investigate Technology Markets
The Federal Trade Commission ("FTC") Bureau of Competition (the "Bureau") created a Task Force to investigate possible anticompetitive conduct in U.S. technology markets.
The Task Force will coordinate with law enforcement staff throughout the FTC on technology-related matters, including prospective mergers and reviews of consummated technology mergers. In creating the Task Force, the Bureau will draw on existing staff to improve the Bureau's focus on technology-related sectors of the economy.
The FTC noted that Task Force members, who will join from various divisions within the Bureau, will consist of attorneys with expertise in "complex product and service markets and ecosystems."
Commentary
Reportedly, FTC senior staff indicated that reviews of consummated mergers could lead to new law enforcement actions aimed at unwinding technology deals that are deemed anticompetitive.