In order to realize a decarbonized society, there is an increasing number of efforts by multiple companies to jointly develop technologies, but on the other hand, there are concerns that there may be cases where free competition may be hindered. .
For this reason, the Japan Fair Trade Commission has decided to compile guidelines that show what cases violate the Antimonopoly Act.
In order to reduce greenhouse gas emissions to virtually zero, there is a growing movement to conduct joint research among multiple companies and to procure raw materials, mainly in industries such as energy and steel.
While these efforts are progressing, the Japan Fair Trade Commission is concerned that there will be cases in the future that may hinder free competition, and has indicated what kinds of cases violate the Antimonopoly Act. I decided to put together some guidelines.
The draft guidelines presented this month say that, in many cases, they have the effect of creating new technologies and excellent products, but there are concerns that if competition is restricted, prices will rise and quality will decline. increase.
On top of that, as a case where there is a risk of violating the Anti-Monopoly Act, once joint research is started, it is agreed that the company cannot develop its own technology, and jointly raising the price of products in order to recover development costs efficiently. It is said that it is applicable to decide by
The Fair Trade Commission will formally compile these guidelines after listening to opinions from the business world and others, and will call attention to companies.