Antitrust Law Daily Wrap Up, ANTITRUST NEWS: FTC, Antitrust Division, JFTC heads reinforce cooperation in meetings, (Jul 15, 2016)

By Greg Hammond, J.D.

The heads of the FTC, Department of Justice Antitrust Division, and the Japan Fair Trade Commission (JFTC) met yesterday in Washington, D.C. to hold their 35th Bilateral Competition Consultation. The purpose of the consultation is to "reinforce ties of cooperation and share knowledge in light of the increasing internationalization of antitrust enforcement," according to the FTC.

Both FTC Chairwoman Edith Ramirez and Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General of the Justice Department Antitrust Division Renata Hesse participated in the high-level meetings, along with JFTC Chairman Kazuyuki Sugimoto and other JFTC officials. The meetings covered a number of topics, including recent enforcement developments, antitrust policy and enforcement involving intellectual property and technology, and international enforcement cooperation.

"We value our longstanding and productive relationship with the JFTC," stated Ramirez. "The opportunity to exchange views on both current enforcement efforts as well as cutting edge policy issues such as intellectual property and the sharing economy helps to advance enforcement cooperation and the development of sound competition policies globally."

"The fact that this is our 35th bilateral meeting is a testament to the depth and strength of our relationship," commented Hesse. "Given the importance of our economic ties and our shared interests in antitrust, we are incredibly fortunate to have such a close and productive relationship with the JFTC."

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