At HSGLaW, we believe that competition is the backbone of a healthy economy. When corporations use illegal practices to dominate markets, eliminate rivals, or drive up prices, we step in. Our firm has a strong track record of holding powerful entities accountable for violating antitrust laws.
This page will walk you through what antitrust litigation is, why it matters, how we help, and some of our most impactful cases. Whether you’re a business owner, investor, or consumer harmed by anti-competitive behavior, we’re here to help you fight back.
What Is Antitrust Litigation?
Antitrust litigation refers to lawsuits brought under laws designed to promote fair competition and prevent monopolies or unfair business practices. These laws exist to protect consumers, smaller businesses, and the economy at large from the damaging effects of anti-competitive behavior.
Common Types of Antitrust Violations:
- Monopolization: A single company uses its market power to crush competition.
- Price Fixing: Competing businesses collude to set prices, hurting consumers.
- Bid Rigging: Companies agree in advance who will win a bid, eliminating true competition.
- Market Allocation: Competitors divide up markets or customers to avoid rivalry.
- Exclusive Dealing: Powerful firms prevent suppliers or distributors from working with rivals.
These practices can inflate prices, limit choices, lower quality, and stifle innovation.
Industries Where Antitrust Violations Are Common
While antitrust laws apply to all industries, some sectors see more frequent and serious violations due to their structure, complexity, and market dynamics. Here are a few examples where we often see anti-competitive practices:
- Pharmaceuticals: Delaying generics, price fixing, and collusive patent settlements (“pay-for-delay”) are major concerns.
- Technology: Data monopolies, predatory pricing, and exclusive contracts can harm smaller startups and consumers alike.
- Financial Services: Bid rigging, price coordination, and collusion among major players can distort entire markets.
- Agriculture: Meatpacking, seed production, and grain markets have seen growing scrutiny over price manipulation.
- Real Estate and Property Management: Coordinated rent-setting through shared pricing software is an emerging threat.
- Health Care: Hospital mergers, insurance network control, and group purchasing can reduce competition and patient options.
If your business operates in one of these sectors and you’ve noticed signs of unfair pricing, exclusion, or collusion, it may be time to talk to an antitrust attorney.
The Evolution of Antitrust Law in the U.S.
Antitrust law in the United States dates back more than a century. It began with the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890, which was passed to stop large corporate trusts from dominating key industries like oil and railroads. Over time, lawmakers introduced additional legislation, such as the Clayton Act and the Federal Trade Commission Act, to strengthen enforcement and close loopholes.
These laws were designed to adapt to the changing economy, and they continue to evolve today. As new industries emerge — like tech and pharmaceuticals — regulators and courts have developed modern interpretations of what counts as anti-competitive behavior.
Today, digital platforms, algorithmic pricing, and big data have added new layers of complexity to antitrust enforcement. At HSGLaW, we stay on top of these developments to ensure our clients are protected under the most current legal standards.
Understanding how these laws have evolved — and how they’re interpreted now — is essential to building a strong, winning case.
Why Antitrust Litigation Matters
Antitrust law protects the free market. When corporations act like cartels or monopolists, they can abuse their power to the detriment of consumers, workers, and competitors.
Litigation is one of the most effective tools available to stop and reverse this kind of misconduct. Through the courts, injured parties can seek monetary damages, demand changes in behavior, and in some cases, force companies to break up monopolies or open up closed markets.
For example, if two pharmaceutical giants secretly agree not to compete on a life-saving drug, patients may pay hundreds or thousands more than necessary. That’s not just unfair — it’s illegal.
Our Experience in Antitrust Litigation
HSGLaW has served in leadership roles in some of the most complex antitrust cases in the country. We’re proud to have helped recover millions of dollars for consumers and businesses harmed by illegal practices.
Key Cases
RealPage, Inc. Price Fixing Lawsuits
We currently represent plaintiffs in multiple class action lawsuits against RealPage, Inc., related to coordinated rent-setting practices. These cases allege price fixing in the rental housing market, harming tenants and inflating rent costs nationwide.
Sherwood v. Microsoft Corporation
We acted as counsel in a Tennessee-based class action brought on behalf of indirect purchasers — ordinary consumers — harmed by Microsoft’s anti-competitive practices. Our firm helped reach a $64 million settlement, ensuring compensation for those affected.
In re Prograf Antitrust Litigation
We served as co-lead counsel in this Massachusetts federal case. Our clients were indirect purchasers of a critical transplant drug. We alleged that the defendants filed a sham Citizen Petition to delay the entry of a cheaper generic drug. We helped secure a $13.25 million class-wide settlement.
In re Skelaxin (Metaxalone) Antitrust Litigation
As lead counsel for end payors, we fought back against the manufacturers of a prescription muscle relaxant who engaged in monopolistic practices. Our efforts led to a $9 million class settlement with one defendant and a separate settlement with another.
These examples show our ability to take on major corporations — and win.
Who Can File an Antitrust Lawsuit?
Antitrust lawsuits can be brought by:
- Consumers who paid higher prices due to anti-competitive practices.
- Businesses that were unfairly excluded from markets or faced inflated supply costs.
- Investors harmed by fraudulent or monopolistic behavior that distorted market dynamics.
- Whistleblowers who report internal wrongdoing and seek legal protection.
Our team helps clients identify the harm they’ve suffered and build strong cases supported by evidence, expert testimony, and economic analysis.
What Happens in an Antitrust Case?
Antitrust litigation is complex — it often involves large datasets, economic modeling, and corporate discovery. Here’s a simplified version of how a case typically proceeds:
- Investigation: We analyze your case, review evidence, and determine whether there’s a strong claim.
- Filing the Lawsuit: We file the case in state or federal court, often as a class action.
- Discovery: Both sides exchange documents and take depositions.
- Expert Analysis: Economists and industry experts help prove market effects.
- Settlement or Trial: Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial if needed.
We work on a contingency fee basis in many of our antitrust cases, meaning you don’t pay unless we recover compensation for you.
How HSGLaW is Different
At HSGLaW, we combine national experience with a client-focused approach. We don’t just file lawsuits — we build coalitions, work with expert economists, and craft legal strategies that maximize results.
- Proven Track Record: Billions recovered in antitrust settlements.
- Extensive Background in Leadership Roles: Leadership roles in high-profile class actions.
- Client-First Philosophy: We explain every step in plain language and fight for the best possible outcome.
- Efficient & Thorough: We know how to take on big corporations — and win.
Whether you’re a business owner who’s been frozen out of a market or a consumer facing unfair pricing, we give you a voice.
Real-World Impact
Antitrust litigation isn’t just about money — it changes the rules of the game and has a direct effect on your day to day life. When monopolies are broken and price-fixing schemes are exposed, it helps level the playing field for everyone. Think back to some of the most significant antitrust litigation that has ever taken place in this country, the dismantling of the monopolies behind the Gilded Age, and how its impact set the ground work for the most prosperous period in American, and perhaps human, history.
When companies are held accountable:
- Prices go down.
- Innovation goes up.
- Consumers have more choices.
- Honest businesses can thrive.
By standing up to anti-competitive practices, you’re helping to restore fairness in the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions About Antitrust Litigation
What are examples of anti-competitive behavior?
Examples include companies fixing prices together, agreeing not to compete, blocking new competitors from entering the market, or using unfair tactics to maintain a monopoly. These actions reduce consumer choice and often lead to higher prices or limited innovation.
How do I know if I have an antitrust claim?
If you or your business have been harmed by a lack of competition — such as being priced out of a market, forced to overpay, or excluded through unfair tactics — you may have a claim. A legal review can help determine whether antitrust laws were violated and what damages you may be entitled to.
Can individuals file antitrust lawsuits?
Yes. While many antitrust cases are brought by businesses or as class actions, individual consumers can also sue if they’ve suffered harm from monopolistic or collusive behavior. In fact, class actions often begin with just one or two individuals stepping forward.
What’s the difference between a monopoly and healthy market dominance?
Not every successful company is a monopoly. A monopoly becomes illegal when it uses its dominant position to unfairly block competition — like refusing to deal with competitors, locking up suppliers, or engaging in predatory pricing.
How long does an antitrust case take?
These cases are complex and can take several months to many years, depending on the facts, number of parties involved, and whether the case goes to trial. Many settle out of court, but it’s critical to have a team that’s ready to go the distance.
What does it cost to hire an antitrust lawyer?
At HSGLaW, we often work on a contingency fee basis for antitrust matters. That means you don’t pay unless we win compensation for you. During your consultation, we’ll explain all your options so there are no surprises.
Contact HSGLaW Today for Premier Antitrust Litigation Attorneys
If you believe you’ve been harmed by monopolistic conduct, price fixing, bid rigging, or other anti-competitive behavior, reach out today.
Call us or fill out our contact form to schedule a confidential consultation. There’s no cost to talk to us — and no obligation. We’ll help you understand your rights and your options.
Let’s work together to hold bad actors accountable and protect competition for everyone.
