Best Antitrust Lawyers in Japan

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4 people in their team
English
Osaka Tsurumi Law Office specializes in personal injury and civil matters from its Osaka base, with a strong local focus and hands on client service. The firm handles traffic accidents and related disputes and leverages close coordination with medical professionals to support clients through injury...
Midosuji Law Office
Osaka, Japan

Founded in 1963
English
Established in 1963, Midosuji Law Office has grown into a prominent legal institution in Japan, with offices in Osaka, Tokyo, Hiroshima, and Nagoya. The firm offers a comprehensive range of legal services, including litigation and dispute resolution, corporate law, finance, mergers and...
MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP
Chiyoda-ku, Japan

Founded in 1873
5,000 people in their team
Japanese
English
OUR FIRMAt Morgan Lewis, we work in collaboration around the world-always ready to respond to the needs of our clients and craft powerful solutions for them.From our offices in strategic hubs of commerce, law, and government across North America, Asia, Europe, and the Middle East, we work with...

Founded in 1986
315 people in their team
English
SOEI Patent & Law Firm is a leading Japanese intellectual property practice focused on patents, designs and trademarks, and it serves engineers, inventors and designers who create valuable IP. The firm operates as a Japanese patent, trademark, design and law firm with a head office in Tokyo and...

Founded in 2018
English
Nagoya Marunouchi Law Office specializes in debt relief, eviction and rent collection, traffic accident matters, and family law issues for individuals and small- and medium-sized enterprises in Nagoya. The firm handles debt consolidation and inheritance abandonment, eviction proceedings with rent...
Kikuchisogo Law Office
Okayama, Japan

Founded in 1980
4 people in their team
English
Kikuchi Sogo Law Office is a Tokyo based law firm specializing in corporate and commercial matters, offering governance guidance, contract drafting and negotiation, and restructuring advice. The firm emphasizes clear communication with clients, providing explanations and progress reports to ensure...
HOPE Law Office
Shizuoka, Japan

Founded in 2020
English
HOPE法律事務所 is a professional law firm based in Shizuoka City, Japan. The firm was established on January 7, 2020, and provides comprehensive services across corporate and commercial matters, debt management and collection, labor management, real estate transactions, contract drafting,...

Founded in 2019
1 person in their team
English
Founded in 2019 by attorney Itsuro Uchihori, Fukuokataiyo Law Office concentrates on serving clients in Onojo, Kasuga, Dazaifu, Chikushino and the wider Fukuoka prefecture. The office leverages experience gained in traffic accident claims, debt restructuring, family law and corporate advisory work...

Founded in 1990
English
Miyakezaka Sogo Law Offices is a Tokyo based firm that counsels listed companies, financial institutions, and funds on complex corporate and commercial matters. The practice handles domestic and international disputes, cross border transactions, corporate restructurings, and compliance and risk...
K&L GATES
Tokyo, Japan

Founded in 1946
5,000 people in their team
Japanese
English
The legal market is rapidly changing, and so is the practice of law. It is both science and art. Clients want their law firm to be diligent and meticulous, but they also want it to solve problems with innovation and creativity. At the heart of our ethos is an inclusive and collaborative...
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About Antitrust Law in Japan

Antitrust law in Japan, primarily governed by the Antimonopoly Act (AMA), aims to promote fair trade practices and ensure a competitive market. Established in 1947, the AMA prevents monopolistic activities, prohibits unfair business practices, and regulates mergers and acquisitions to maintain fair competition. The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing these laws, investigating antitrust violations, and imposing sanctions where necessary.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Individuals and businesses may require legal assistance in the antitrust field for a variety of reasons, including:

  • Dealing with allegations of anti-competitive behaviors, such as collusion or price-fixing.
  • Navigating complex merger and acquisition processes to ensure compliance with antitrust laws.
  • Responding to JFTC investigations or inquiries.
  • Seeking advice on new business strategies to ensure they do not violate antitrust regulations.
  • Understanding their rights and obligations under the Antimonopoly Act.

Local Laws Overview

The Antimonopoly Act in Japan consists of several key components that are crucial for maintaining competitive markets:

  • Cartels: Agreements between competitors to fix prices, limit production, share markets, or rig bids are prohibited.
  • Monopoly Regulation: The creation or maintenance of monopolistic market power through unfair practices is not allowed.
  • Mergers and Acquisitions: Mergers that substantially restrict competition in a particular market require prior approval from the JFTC.
  • Unfair Trade Practices: These include acts like predatory pricing, exclusive dealings, or abuse of dominant market position.
  • Penalties: Violations can result in administrative orders, fines, and, in severe cases, criminal charges.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antitrust law?

Antitrust law is designed to prevent anti-competitive behavior and promote fair competition in the market. It encompasses regulations against monopolies, cartels, and unfair business practices.

Who enforces antitrust law in Japan?

The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) is responsible for enforcing antitrust laws, investigating violations, and ensuring compliance with the Antimonopoly Act.

What actions are considered anti-competitive?

Actions like collusion, price-fixing, bid-rigging, abuse of market dominance, and exclusionary practices are considered anti-competitive.

What is a cartel, and why is it illegal?

A cartel is a group of independent companies that collaborate to fix prices, control supply, or divide markets, which is illegal as it restricts free competition.

Do all mergers require JFTC approval?

No, only mergers that might significantly restrict competition in a particular market require approval. However, companies must notify JFTC if specific thresholds are met.

What penalties can be imposed for antitrust violations?

Penalties include corrective orders and hefty fines. In severe cases, criminal charges against individuals and company directors may be pursued.

How can I report an antitrust violation?

Antitrust violations can be reported directly to the JFTC. They provide channels for anonymous reporting to encourage compliance.

Is there leniency for companies that self-report violations?

Yes, the JFTC offers leniency programs that can reduce or exempt penalties for companies that voluntarily report their infringement before or during an investigation.

What is considered an unfair trade practice?

Unfair trade practices include predatory pricing, tying arrangements, exclusive deal agreements, and abuse of a dominant market position.

Where can I get more information about specific cases?

Detailed information about specific cases and JFTC decisions can be found in their annual reports and public releases available on the JFTC's official website.

Additional Resources

For more information on antitrust in Japan, consider these resources:

  • The Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC): The primary regulatory body provides a wealth of resources, including guidelines, reports, and case studies.
  • Legal publications and journals on Japanese corporate and competition law.
  • Local law schools and universities offering seminars or courses on antitrust law.
  • Business and industry associations that provide compliance support and advice.

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance in matters related to antitrust in Japan, consider the following steps:

  • Consult with a lawyer specialized in antitrust law to understand your situation.
  • Gather all relevant documentation and information about your case or inquiry.
  • Visit the JFTC's website for guidance and public resources related to your concern.
  • Consider attending seminars or workshops to gain a more in-depth understanding of compliance and regulations.
  • Stay updated with any changes in the antitrust regulations or announcements by the JFTC.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Japan through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Antitrust, experience, and client feedback.

Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters.

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Disclaimer:

The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation.

We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.