Foreign and International Laws

The United States was the first nation to undertake antitrust legislation and enforcement. Only since World War II have other nations done the same, and they are few in number—only about 15.

Although there is no established international law on antitrust matters, the growth of regional economic unions and trade associations since the end of World War II has led to some cooperation between nations in regulating monopoly and restraints on trade. Within the European Union for example, the power of the Commission (the executive group) to approve or disallow certain trade and production agreements between member nations has the effect of regulating or preventing monopoly and unfair business practices.