In this issue: While we always try to be topical, this issue is right on top of current events. We’ve assembled six papers that truly prove the adage, “the devil is in the details.” The first two, reacting to Tim Wu’s FTC appointment, highlights media; a topic we extensively explore in the upcoming CPI Journal […]

Amanda Reeves, Daniel Wall, Mar 30, 2011 There has been a great deal of recent discussion, both inside and outside of antitrust circles, on the merits of “open” as opposed to “closed” business structures. Much of this discussion focuses on key technology markets, in which competition among products and systems that exhibit relative degrees of […]

George Zohios, Mar 30, 2011 On February 16, 2011, the Greek parliament plenary passed a bill on liberalizing so-called “closed professions.” The deregulation of closed professions, which has drawn strong criticism both from the opposition parties and members of the closed profession categories that will be opened, is one of the most important demands made […]

Lia Vitzilaiou, Mar 30, 2011 Cartels typically involve private agreements that limit quantities sold, thereby effectively raising prices; in turn this transfers income from buyers to sellers and reduces the allocative efficiency of the market mechanism. This market distortion is regarded as so detrimental to the institution of competition and to consumers, that strict enforcement […]

Chris Meyers, Mar 29, 2011 However, net neutrality is but one piece of the puzzle to ensuring an open internet. Broadband internet access is certainly the initial on ramp to the internet. But much like a freeway, what do you find once you are on? What paths are available, and to which destinations? How helpful […]

David Evans, Robert Litan, Richard Schmalensee, Mar 30, 2011 The Board of Governors of the Federal Reserve System (“Board”) is the latest of a series of central banks and antitrust authorities to tackle the thorny issues of interchange fees. It did not ask for the job. During the process of drafting financial reform legislation the […]

Gregory Pelnar, Mar 30, 2011 An Accountable Care Organization (“ACO”) is “an organization of health care providers that agrees to be accountable for the quality, cost, and overall care of Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in the traditional fee-for-service program who are assigned to it.” The Affordable Care Act of 2010 (“ACA”) encourages the formation […]