The FTC's antitrust arm, the Bureau of Competition, seeks to prevent business practices that restrain competition. As a result, purchasers benefit from lower prices and greater availability of products and services.

The Bureau carries out this mission by investigating alleged law violations and, when appropriate, recommending that the Commission take formal enforcement action. If the Commission does decide to take action, the Bureau will help to implement that decision through litigation in federal court or before administrative law judges.

The Bureau also serves as a research and policy resource on competition issues. It prepares reports and testimony for Congress, and may present comments on specific competition issues pending before other agencies.

The Bureau of Competition has developed expertise in a number of industries important to consumers, such as health care, other professional services, food, and energy.

The antitrust laws are enforced by both the FTC's Bureau of Competition and the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. In order to prevent duplication of effort, the two agencies consult before opening any case.

The Commission's antitrust authority comes primarily from the Federal Trade Commission Act and the Clayton Act both passed by Congress in 1914.

Last Updated: Wednesday, August 6, 2003