Reminder to be Read Aloud at Trade Association Meetings

Summary

This template is a reminder or warning that can be read aloud at the beginning of a trade association meeting to remind participants of the antitrust risks inherent in competitor meetings and simple steps to minimize that risk. You will need to tailor this template to the needs of the specific trade association. For example, the sections on standard-setting and benchmarking should be omitted if your trade association does not conduct those activities. This template includes practical guidance and drafting notes. For a more comprehensive list of related antitrust compliance content, see Antitrust Compliance Resource Kit. For a general background on how trade association activity may be illegal under the Sherman Act, see the trade association discussion in the practice note Horizontal Restraints. For a background of how trade association activity may serve as the basis for criminal prosecution, see the trade association discussion in the practice note Cartel Prohibition. For a discussion of an assessment of trade association activity as an important part of an antitrust compliance program, see the practice note Antitrust Compliance: Risk Assessment. For a checklist on the antitrust risks inherent in trade association activity, see Trade Association Participation Antitrust Risk Assessment Checklist. For a handout that you can give to employees about risks in information exchanges generally, see Competitor Contacts Antitrust Warnings Handout, and in trade associations specifically, see Trade Association Meeting Attendance (Employee Antitrust Guide).