Antitrust laws govern competition in the marketplace to promote fairness and protect consumers. At the federal level, these laws include the Sherman Act. In California, competition is regulated under the Cartwright Act, which largely mirrors federal antitrust standards.

California policymakers are considering significant expansions to the Cartwright Act. These proposed changes are unnecessary and risk upsetting the careful balance that currently exists between protecting competition and preventing abusive litigation.

Existing law already provides strong enforcement mechanisms. The Cartwright Act includes a private right of action enabling individuals to file lawsuits, including class actions, and to recover damages and attorneys’ fees. Expanding liability or remedies further could drive unnecessary litigation, increase costs for California businesses, and create market uncertainty.

Overbroad expansion of antitrust laws would chill innovation, discourage investment, and ultimately harm consumers and the state’s economy. California should preserve a stable, predictable legal framework that promotes both competition and economic growth.