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Judd Stone on Misbehavioral Economics: The Misguided Imposition of Behavioral Economics on Antitrust

Behavioral law and economics has arisen to international prominence; between Cass Sunstein’s appointment to head the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs the United Kingdom’s appointment of a “nudge” bureau, behavioralism has enjoyed a meteoric impact on policymakers.  Thus far, behavioral economists have almost exclusively focused on the myriad foibles or purported cognitive errors which ... Judd Stone on Misbehavioral Economics: The Misguided Imposition of Behavioral Economics on Antitrust

Fracking, the Separation of Powers, Economic Welfare, and the Role of the Public (Or Mirabile Dictu! An Obama-Appointed Federal Judge Who Believes in the Separation of Powers)

An interesting thing happened on June 21st.  Scott Skavdahl, a federal district court judge appointed by President Barack Obama, invalidated the “Fracking Rule” adopted by the Interior Department’s Bureau of Land Management (BLM).  Even more interesting, however, was the fact that, in so holding, the judge relied heavily on a rather dusty, moth-eaten eighteenth century ... Fracking, the Separation of Powers, Economic Welfare, and the Role of the Public (Or Mirabile Dictu! An Obama-Appointed Federal Judge Who Believes in the Separation of Powers)

From Today’s New York Times: Uber and Amazon

The Times seems to specialize in stories that use lots of economics but still miss the important points. Two examples from today: Stories about Uber, and about the dispute between Amazon and Hachette. UBER:  The article describes Uber’s using price changes to measure elasticity of demand, and more or less gets it right.  But it ... From Today’s New York Times: Uber and Amazon

Panel Today: “Will $Billions in Patent Lawsuits Kill Smartphone and Tablet Innovation?”

UPDATE: You can listen to an MP3 of the panel briefing at http://www.netcaucus.org/audio/2012/20121016mobilepatents.mp3 Today, I’m participating in a Hill briefing on the smart phone wars hosted by the Advisor Committee for the Congressional Internet Caucus.  Here’s the information: Date: Tuesday, October 16, 2012 Time: 12:00 pm – 1:30 pm. Program begins promptly at 12:00 pm, ... Panel Today: “Will $Billions in Patent Lawsuits Kill Smartphone and Tablet Innovation?”

Tim Wu on Section 5 Guidelines Would Make the FTC Stronger and Better

I personally believe that a policy statement on Section 5 would be a very good thing for the Federal Trade Commission, especially over the long run.  I think it would strengthen the agency, renew its distinct sense of purpose, and clarify the jobs of the attorneys who enforce the competition laws on a day-to-day basis. ... Tim Wu on Section 5 Guidelines Would Make the FTC Stronger and Better

Why the New Evidence on Minimum RPM Doesn’t Justify a Per Se or Quick Look Approach

Mike Sykuta and I recently co-authored a short article discussing the latest evidence on, and proper legal treatment of, minimum resale price maintenance (RPM). Following is a bit about the article (which is available here). Despite the U.S. Supreme Court’s Leegin decision holding that minimum RPM must be evaluated under antitrust’s Rule of Reason, the ... Why the New Evidence on Minimum RPM Doesn’t Justify a Per Se or Quick Look Approach

McWane: Structure Isn’t Enough

A particularly unsettling aspect of the FTC’s case against McWane is the complaint counsel’s heavy (and seemingly exclusive) reliance on structural factors to prove its case. The FTC has little or no direct evidence of price communications and no econometric evidence suggesting collusion, and has instead spent a good deal of time trying to show ... McWane: Structure Isn’t Enough

That startup investors’ letter on net neutrality is a revealing look at what the debate is really about

Last week a group of startup investors wrote a letter to protest what they assume FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler’s proposed, revised Open Internet NPRM will say. Bear in mind that an NPRM is a proposal, not a final rule, and its issuance starts a public comment period. Bear in mind, as well, that the proposal ... That startup investors’ letter on net neutrality is a revealing look at what the debate is really about

Need for Chinese Antitrust Reform (and IP and Price-Related Concerns) Spotlighted at ABA Beijing Conference

The American Bar Association’s (ABA) “Antitrust in Asia:  China” Conference, held in Beijing May 21-23 (with Chinese Government and academic support), cast a spotlight on the growing economic importance of China’s six-year old Anti-Monopoly Law (AML).  The Conference brought together 250 antitrust practitioners and government officials to discuss AML enforcement policy.  These included the leaders ... Need for Chinese Antitrust Reform (and IP and Price-Related Concerns) Spotlighted at ABA Beijing Conference

For Better Health Care Systems, States Should Take a Dose of Competition and Reject Antitrust Exemptions

Government impediments to the efficient provision of health care services in the United States are legion.  While much recent attention has focused on the federal Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which by design reduces consumer choice and competition, harmful state law restrictions have long been spotlighted by the U.S. Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and ... For Better Health Care Systems, States Should Take a Dose of Competition and Reject Antitrust Exemptions

Occupational Licensing, Competition, and the Constitution: Prospects for Reform?

U.S. antitrust law focuses primarily on private anticompetitive restraints, leaving the most serious impediments to a vibrant competitive process – government-initiated restraints – relatively free to flourish.  Thus the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) should be commended for its July 16 congressional testimony that spotlights a fast-growing and particularly pernicious species of (largely state) government restriction ... Occupational Licensing, Competition, and the Constitution: Prospects for Reform?

The procompetitive story that could undermine the DOJ’s e-books antitrust case against Apple

Did Apple conspire with e-book publishers to raise e-book prices?  That’s what DOJ argues in a lawsuit filed yesterday. But does that violate the antitrust laws?  Not necessarily—and even if it does, perhaps it shouldn’t. Antitrust’s sole goal is maximizing consumer welfare.  While that generally means antitrust regulators should focus on lower prices, the situation is more ... The procompetitive story that could undermine the DOJ’s e-books antitrust case against Apple