Ten Things to Know About the Antitrust Division’s Updated Compliance Guidance
Earlier this week, the Antitrust Division updated its compliance guidance. The Division first issued guidance on its evaluation of corporate compliance programs in July 2019. This week’s updates follow multiple updates to the Criminal Division’s guidance and updates to the Justice Manual.
Takeaways from the FTC’s Victory in the Tapestry/Capri “Accessible Luxury Handbags” Merger Challenge
Many observers viewed the FTC’s case challenging the Tapestry/Capri merger based on a relevant product market of “accessible luxury handbags” with skepticism.
When Will the HSR Rules Be Effective?
The HSR Rules have now been published in the Federal Register, which puts them on track to be effective on February 10, 2025. But with the upcoming change in administration, could there be further delays?
Ten Things to Know About the Antitrust Division’s Updated Compliance Guidance
Earlier this week, the Antitrust Division updated its compliance guidance. The Division first issued guidance on its evaluation of corporate compliance programs in July 2019. This week’s updates follow multiple updates to the Criminal Division’s guidance and updates to the Justice Manual.
Takeaways from the FTC’s Victory in the Tapestry/Capri “Accessible Luxury Handbags” Merger Challenge
Many observers viewed the FTC’s case challenging the Tapestry/Capri merger based on a relevant product market of “accessible luxury handbags” with skepticism.
When Will the HSR Rules Be Effective?
The HSR Rules have now been published in the Federal Register, which puts them on track to be effective on February 10, 2025. But with the upcoming change in administration, could there be further delays?
Ten Things to Know About the Antitrust Division’s Updated Compliance Guidance
Earlier this week, the Antitrust Division updated its compliance guidance. The Division first issued guidance on its evaluation of corporate compliance programs in July 2019. This week’s updates follow multiple updates to the Criminal Division’s guidance and updates to the Justice Manual.
Antitrust
Axinn’s full-service antitrust practice stands among the largest and most experienced. Our team works coast to coast and across borders to deliver integrated counsel on mergers and acquisitions (M&A), litigation, and government investigations.
Global Leader in Antitrust
Celebrated as a top-ranked antitrust practice by Chambers and Partners and Global Competition Review, Axinn is renowned for representing some of the world’s largest companies in matters of the highest strategic importance. Our track record of success includes leading high-profile civil and criminal litigations and investigations. Orchestrating approximately half a trillion dollars in M&A transactions, we have gained clearances for intensely contested deals, including the largest cash merger in U.S. history, the largest-ever tech deal, and other landmark transactions.
Unmatched Experience
We don't just understand the government authorities you'll face – we have inside agency experience. Our team of more than 70 dedicated antitrust lawyers includes former high-ranking officials from the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) as well as European Union antitrust regulators. Our dual perspective and experience enable us to tackle the most challenging multinational antitrust issues.
Deep Commitment to Client Success
Invested in our clients' success, we provide in-depth analysis and dedicated advocacy. Our inquisitive and incisive approach enables us to navigate the most complex legal issues with precision. We value collaboration and inclusivity, evidenced by our success in leading multijurisdictional teams to resolve sprawling litigations and advance cross-border deals.
Our reputation as tenacious advocates for strategic transactions is built on our track record of obtaining global clearances for multibillion-dollar deals combining industry rivals.
Axinn lawyers regularly serve as lead counsel, overseeing co-counsel around the world. Our diverse perspectives and experience make us adept at developing cohesive strategies to address regulators’ concerns head-on and gain approvals in the most challenging jurisdictions.
Experience:
- Broadcom’s $69 billion acquisition of VMware.
- Dell’s $67 billion acquisition of EMC.
- Thermo Fisher Scientific’s $13.2 billion acquisition of Life Technologies and $12.5 billion tender offer to acquire QIAGEN .
Axinn’s substantial experience as lead counsel in Section 7 challenges to mergers includes:
- Obtained a judgment rejecting the DOJ’s bid to block SunGard’s $825 million acquisition of Comdisco’s business recovery assets.
- Successfully litigated against the DOJ’s attempt to block George’s Inc.'s sale of assets to Tyson Foods after the sale had been completed.
- Successfully litigated against the City of New York in its efforts to stop Group Health Inc.'s acquisition of HIP Insurance Company.
Employing a sophisticated yet practical approach, Axinn has defended major industry players in some of the most high-profile and complex antitrust litigations and deal reviews in recent history. From private treble-damage class actions and sprawling multidistrict litigations (MDL) to price-fixing, bid-rigging, market allocation, and other antitrust claims, we resolve cases strategically and efficiently. Our experience extends to monopolization disputes, merger trials, criminal defense, and internal investigations.
Our inquisitive nature drives us to explore all facets of antitrust claims, ensuring comprehensive and diligent representation across industries. We consistently apply our creativity and bottom-line perspective to achieve exceptional outcomes in matters involving third-party subpoena defenses, leniency applications, antitrust compliance, and government investigations.
Experience:
- Representing Tyson Foods in multiple class action lawsuits alleging collusion among competitors.
- Representing Alvogen in the sprawling Generic Drugs MDL and in its antitrust counterclaims against Indivior relating to Alvogen’s launch of a generic equivalent to SUBOXONE®sublingual film.
- Representing Momenta Pharmaceuticals in a monopolization and class action lawsuit.
In today’s aggressive enforcement environment, the choice of cartel counsel is crucial. Lawyers must be incisive advisors, inquisitive strategists, and invested advocates. Axinn embodies these qualities.
We pride ourselves on handling the two largest price-fixing investigations of the past decade. We’ve represented clients in cartel investigations by major global authorities, including:
- DOJ
- Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
- Brazil’s Administrative Council for Economic Defense
- Canadian Competition Bureau
- European Commission
Our ranks include former federal prosecutors and leaders from the DOJ Antitrust Division who have overseen criminal investigations, trials, and policy initiatives. Leveraging our government experience, we take an integrated approach to managing all aspects of representation: compliance programs; internal investigations; government probes; criminal proceedings; and civil litigation.
We understand that each client’s goals and challenges are unique and devise tailored, creative strategies to resolve investigations.
We excel in leading complex matters at the intersection of antitrust and intellectual property (IP) laws. Combining our advanced technical training and focused IP experience, we regularly advise on standard-setting and fair, reasonable, and nondiscriminatory issues.
Clients call on us to conduct thorough internal investigations and to develop and implement robust antitrust compliance programs. Our client-centric approach empowers clients to navigate the most challenging antitrust landscapes with confidence.
Experience:
- Representing Google before FTC with respect to Standard Essential Patents
- Representing Red Hat before DOJ with respect to patent acquisitions
- Representing Motorola Mobility before FTC regarding patent issues
Insights
Event
|January 30, 2025
GCR Live: Law Leaders Global 2025
On January 30, Axinn partner Bradley Justus will speak on the "Antitrust: Theories of Harm in Unilateral Conduct Cases Concerning Big Tech in the U.S. and Europe" panel at Global Competition Review's Law Leaders Global Conference, being held January 29-31 in Miami. ...Read more
Event
|November 19, 2024
On November 19, Axinn managing partner Jeny Maier will speak on the "M&A and Antitrust" panel at the American Investment Council's General Counsel Day in New York. ...Read more
Event
|November 18, 2024
ALM General Counsel Conference East 2024
On November 18, Axinn partner Bradley Justus will speak on the "Antitrust in the Modern Era: Ensuring Corporate Compliance" panel at ALM's General Counsel Conference East, being held November 18-19 in New York. ...Read more
Event
|November 15, 2024
Global M&A Antitrust Outlook: Trends Shaping Enforcement Strategies
Partner James K. Hunsberger and Liang Ding of DeHeng Law Offices will provide an in-depth analysis of the latest developments and trends in M&A antitrust enforcement across various jurisdictions. Speakers will discuss key policy changes, significant enforcement actions, and regulatory updates under the current U.S. administration and forecast potential shifts under the next U.S. administration. They will also delve into global M&A antitrust dynamics, including new regulations in China, the evolving role of subsidies, and the impact of cross-border cooperation among antitrust authorities....Read more
Event
|November 14, 2024
On November 14, Axinn and Slaughter & May will co-host a webinar exploring the evolving landscape of antitrust merger policy and foreign direct investment (FDI) in the wake of pivotal elections in the U.S., Europe, and around the world. ...Read more
November 14, 2024
|4 min read
Ten Things to Know About the Antitrust Division’s Updated Compliance Guidance
November 13, 2024
|3 min read
When Will the HSR Rules Be Effective?
Event
|November 12, 2024
On November 12, Axinn partner Lisl Dunlop will speak on the "Expanding Merger Control Tools for Non-Traditional Deals and Non-Traditional Theories of Harm" panel at Global Competition Review's Women in Antitrust Conference in Washington, DC. ...Read more
News
|November 7, 2024
|less than 1 min read
Axinn Recognized in Ten Categories of 2025 “Best Law Firms” Report
Best Lawyers released their 2025 Best Law Firms® rankings, and Axinn is pleased to announce that the firm received recognition in ten categories. Firms included in the 2025 edition of Best Law Firms® are recognized for professional excellence with consistently impressive ratings from clients and peers....Read more
Publications
|November 5, 2024
|4 min read
Takeaways from the FTC's Victory in the Tapestry/Capri "Accessible Luxury Handbags" Merger Challenge
Many observers viewed the FTC’s case challenging the Tapestry/Capri merger based on a relevant product market of “accessible luxury handbags” with skepticism. The market definition seemed (and still seems) gerrymandered to include the merging parties’ Coach and Michael Kors brands to the exclusion of handbags within, more than, and less expensive than the $100 to $1,000 price range. But the FTC vote to bring the challenge was 5-0, and the complaint highlighted the parties’ internal documents as a primary source of evidence....Read more
Practice Chair
Featured Insights
Featured Insights
GCR Live: Law Leaders Global 2025
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Antitrust
Evidence for Trial Lawyers: Motions, Introducing Evidence, and Objections
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Intellectual Property
NYC Bar Trade Secrets Symposium 2024: Navigating the Law of Trade Secrets and Restrictive Covenants
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Stakeholders 24th Annual CYOC Career Development Conference
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IAM Connect Patent Policy and Litigation Conference 2024
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CompLaw 33rd Annual Advanced EU Brussels Conference
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Jason Murata Named a Profiles in Diversity Journal Diverse Lawyers Making a Difference Award Winner
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AIC General Counsel Day 2024
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Antitrust
ALM General Counsel Conference East 2024
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Antitrust
Global M&A Antitrust Outlook: Trends Shaping Enforcement Strategies
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Antitrust