Price Dispersion and Class Certification in Antitrust Cases: An Economic Analysis

Differences in prices paid by putative class members (i.e., price dispersion) often become a focal point for class certification in antitrust matters. This paper discusses how an economic analysis of the existence, extent, and nature of price dispersion faced by plaintiffs seeking class certificatio...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of legal economics 2007-09, Vol.14 (2), p.61
Main Authors: Nieberding, James F, Cantor, Robin A
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Antitrust
Certification
District courts
Economic analysis
Economic theory
Economists
Evidence
Federal court decisions
Impact analysis
Legal arguments
Litigation
Price variance
Prices
Product differentiation
State court decisions
Studies
Testimony
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Summary:Differences in prices paid by putative class members (i.e., price dispersion) often become a focal point for class certification in antitrust matters. This paper discusses how an economic analysis of the existence, extent, and nature of price dispersion faced by plaintiffs seeking class certification may be informative even in matters thought to be particularly appropriate for class treatment (e.g., horizontal price-fixing). The existence of price variability among the products at issue can be addressed within the class framework if such price differences are systematic and able to be controlled for in any but-far pricing analysis. [PUBLICATION ABSTRACT]
ISSN:1054-3023