DOJ Business Advisory Letter 98-3 of
Feb 3, 1998 concerning the
Interactive Travel Services Association
(Text
excerpted from DOJ source)
Facts: Ten companies involved in offering travel services via computers to consumers desire to form a trade association. The proposed trade association would engage in the following activities: (1) identification and discussion of common industry practices; (2) promotion of consumer protection; (3) education of consumers as to the features and benefits of on-line travel services; (4) education of travel suppliers re the same; (5) presentation of industry views to governmental bodies; (6) serving as an information clearinghouse; and (7) conducting market research. The Association will not attempt to influence its members' pricing or other competitive activities. Nor will it attempt to force members to adhere to positions or standards espoused by the Association. The information gathering and research activities of the Association will be limited so as not to include any company-specific competitively sensitive information. Such information exchanges and market research will be reviewed by antitrust counsel, and the Association currently plans to make its information and research available to all persons free of charge through its website.
Response: To the extent that the Association confines its activities to those described, and does not allow itself or its members to exchange price, customer or other competitively sensitive information, neither its establishment nor its activities would raise risks to competition. Moreover, if the Association is successful in increasing consumer knowledge of the relative benefits of on-line travel services, its actions could increase output and competition to the benefit of consumers. The Department has no present intention to challenge the proposal.
See also Press Release
Formal DOJ Business Advisory Letter