Online joint ventures among major suppliers pose threat to compet...

Online joint ventures among major suppliers pose threat to competition, National Consumers League said at Washington forum Sept. 26. “The long-term risk could be fewer choices and higher prices for consumers,” Pres. Linda Golodner said. But NCL event co-sponsor took more nuanced stance toward such ventures, which include Orbitz and PressPlay. “Each venture must be analyzed on its own terms,” American Antitrust Institute Pres. Bert Foer said. “Some may be procompetitive and some anticompetitive. However, if they are intended to compete against e-commerce entrants into their industry to whom they supply products, it is imperative that they participate on a level playing field.” “Most-favored-nation” clauses, which may result in limiting competition from outsiders, have come under Justice Dept. scrutiny, Foer said. N.Y.U. law prof. Harry First recommended 5 major record labels be forced to divest joint-venture interests so they can develop independently.