Competition/Antitrust Law

The importance of competition law has increased dramatically, as authorities in Japan and other countries have strengthened enforcement.

Leveraging our experience, we take prompt and accurate measures to avoid and mitigate administrative penalties in investigations by authorities in Japan and other countries. We advise on dealing with governmental inspections and investigations, and represent clients in litigation to revoke sanctions. In cases of bid-rigging and cartels, we represent clients in applications for leniency to obtain exemption from financial penalties. In cases of private monopoly and abuse of superior bargaining position, we represent clients in applications to avoid sanctions by offering to make a commitment to change business methods.

We also represent clients when alleged competition law violations lead to lawsuits seeking injunctions or damages, including shareholder derivative suits, and provide advice when alleged violations lead to issues in dealing with shareholders, suppliers, customers and the media, as well as employee disciplinary procedures. In international antitrust and competition law cases, we collaborate with foreign law firms to negotiate with the authorities in the relevant countries.