Practical Law Glossary Item 0-502-0837 (Approx. 3 pages)
Glossary
Robinson-Patman Act of 1936 (Robinson-Patman Act)
A federal statute (15 U.S.C. §§ 13(a) to (f)) that amends Section 2 of the Clayton Act and prohibits an individual or business from:
Engaging in price discrimination between larger and smaller purchasers of commodities of like grade and quality that substantially lessens competition or tends to create a monopoly.
Paying or receiving brokerage or commission payments unrelated to the services rendered in the sale of goods.
Paying or requesting unequal payments for services or facilities for processing, handling, or sale of a product.
Using discriminatory purchase terms for services or facilities for processing, handling, or sale of a product.
Knowingly inducing or receiving a discriminatory price.
Both the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) may enforce the Robinson-Patman Act. However, agency enforcement has become increasingly sparse. Claims under the Robinson-Patman Act are now most commonly raised in lawsuits between private parties.