Appalachian Coals, Inc. v. United States
United States Supreme Court
288 U.S. 344 (1933)
Relevant factsFree
137 coal producers, representing 74% of Appalachian coal production but only 12% of production east of the Mississippi, formed Appalachian Coals (defendant) as an exclusive collective selling agent during the Great Depression, seeking to curb unfair practices and stabilize prices; the DOJ (plaintiff) sought an injunction, arguing the arrangement created an anticompetitive cartel, and the district court granted it.
IssueFree
Whether the nature and effect of an agreement that restrains competition between parties must be considered when determining whether an antitrust violation has occurred.