per se rule

The per se rule refers to a legal principle in antitrust law that certain business practices are considered inherently harmful to competition, without needing detailed analysis of their effects. Under this rule, actions like price-fixing, market division, or bid-rigging are automatically deemed illegal because they clearly restrict competition. Unlike other cases where the context and circumstances might be evaluated, the per se rule assumes that these practices are always detrimental, promoting fair competition and protecting consumers. This helps streamline legal proceedings by eliminating the need for extensive evidence proving harm to the market.