Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal antitrust law that prohibits anticompetitive business practices and monopolistic conduct. Must ensure distribution agreement doesn't violate competition provisions.
Clayton Act: Supplements Sherman Act by prohibiting specific anticompetitive practices. Relevant for exclusive dealing arrangements and territorial restrictions.
Federal Trade Commission Act: Prohibits unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices. Distribution agreement must comply with fair trade practices.
Robinson-Patman Act: Prohibits price discrimination between different purchasers of similar goods. Important for pricing structures in distribution agreements.
Uniform Commercial Code: Governs commercial transactions including sales of goods. Provides framework for contractual relationships in distribution agreements.
Foreign Corrupt Practices Act: Prohibits bribery of foreign officials. Essential consideration if distribution involves international trade.
State Distribution Laws: Various state-specific regulations governing distribution relationships and dealer protection.
Trademark Act (Lanham Act): Protects trademarks and governs their use in commercial activities. Critical for brand protection in distribution relationships.
State Franchise Laws: Regulations defining and governing franchise relationships. Must ensure distribution agreement doesn't inadvertently create a franchise.
Product Liability Laws: Federal and state laws governing liability for product defects. Important for risk allocation in distribution agreements.
Export Administration Regulations: Controls export of commercial and dual-use items. Relevant if distribution involves international trade.
Industry-Specific Regulations: Specialized rules for specific industries (FDA, FCC, etc.). Must be considered based on products being distributed.
State Contract Laws: General contract principles and requirements specific to each state. Forms the basic framework for agreement enforcement.
Consumer Protection Laws: Federal and state regulations protecting consumer interests. Relevant for consumer product distribution.
Trade Secret Laws: Protects confidential business information. Important for protecting proprietary information shared in distribution relationship.
