Price-Gouging in the Age of COVID-19: How Much Is That Hand Sanitizer in the Window?

COVID-19 has given rise to a substantial new focus at both the state and federal level on pricing practices as enforcers and private litigants attempt to combat price-gouging on a broad range of products. Join Winston & Strawn attorneys for a discussion about evolving price-gouging risks and what businesses need to know to protect themselves in this environment, from mom and pop shops to digital marketplace operators. This presentation will provide insights into:

• The current patchwork of state laws as well as proposed federal legislation
• The federal response under the Defense Production Act
• The myriad of recently filed private actions alleging price-gouging
• The tension between antitrust and price-gouging laws, particularly in the context of online marketplaces

Hear from Winston Partners Jeffrey Amato and Susannah Torpey about navigating these complexities in this unprecedented time. The team will address best practices to minimize liability including legitimate justifications for increased prices during the period of an emergency or disaster.

 

View all of our COVID-19 perspectives here. Contact a member of our COVID-19 Legal Task Force here.