Markets Wired

The Federal Trade Commission and Department of Justice (DOJ) have issued the agenda for their joint public workshop, which will be held on June 23, 2014, to explore the economic and legal analysis of conditional pricing practices among firms in a supply chain. Announced in early May, the workshop will focus on conditional pricing arrangements – practices in which prices are explicitly or effectively contingent on commitments to purchase or sell a specified share or volume of a single product or a mix of multiple products – such as loyalty or bundled pricing.

A principal goal of the workshop will be to advance the economic understanding of the potential harms and benefits of conditional pricing practices and to reexamine their treatment under the antitrust laws. As detailed in the press release first announcing the event, participants will focus primarily on: 1) Economic Learning, and 2) Law and Policy Issues related to conditional pricing practices.

The FTC and DOJ are interested in receiving comments on conditional pricing practices, and will accept written submissions from the public through Aug. 22, 2014, 60 days after the event. Interested parties may submit public comments online. Submitted comments will be made publicly available on the FTC and DOJ websites.

The all-day workshop is free and open to the public. Individuals are encouraged, but not required, to register in advance for the workshop by sending an email to CPPworkshop@ftc.gov. Please include “RSVP” in the subject line. Seating will be on a first-come, first-served basis. It will take place at the FTC’s conference center, at its new satellite location: Constitution Center, 400 Seventh Street, SW, Washington, DC 20024.

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. Requests should be submitted by email to lkittelson@ftc.gov, or by calling Lara Kittelson at 202-326-3388. Requests should be made in advance. Please include a detailed description of the accommodation needed and provide contact information.

The FTC’s Office of Policy Planning works with the Commission and its staff to develop long-range competition and consumer policy initiatives, consistent with the FTC’s unique mission to conduct research and engage in advocacy on issues that affect competition, consumers, and the U.S. economy. The Office of Policy Planning submits advocacy filings; conducts research and studies; organizes public workshops; issues reports; and advises staff on cases raising new or complex policy and legal issues. To reach the Office of Policy Planning, send an e-mail to opp@ftc.gov. Like the FTC on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, read our blogs, and subscribe to press releases for the latest FTC news and resources.