antitrust theories

Antitrust theories are principles that aim to promote competition and prevent monopolies in the marketplace. They focus on ensuring that no single company has too much power, which can lead to higher prices, lower quality, and less innovation. There are two main theories: the "consumer welfare" approach, which prioritizes benefits to consumers through lower prices and better choices, and the "post-Chicago" approach, which considers broader impacts on competition and market structure. Regulators use these theories to guide enforcement actions against unfair practices that harm competition and consumers.