Events, Annual Conference
Antitrust Policies and Procedures
GUIDELINES FOR COMPLIANCE WITH AAP ANTITRUST POLICY
The Association of American Publishers provides many opportunities for its members to share useful information and to act in a unified manner on issues of common concern. However, there are some problems that cannot be solved by joint action, and some concerns that cannot be discussed and resolved by agreement among competitors in an industry.
The federal and state statutes that regulate business practices are complex. The penalties for failure to comply are severe and involve both civil and criminal penalties. To protect you and your company, we urge you to review the following AAP antitrust policy guidelines and adhere to them, in formal AAP meetings and in casual, non-trade association discussions as well.
Do Not discuss or disclose information about competitive policies or practices, such as:
- prices, pricing formulas, bids, mark ups
- terms of sale or purchase from suppliers or particular future purchasing decisions or goals
- discounts or discount schedules
- credit or freight terms
- returns policies
- profit or other margins, royalty rates, fees and other individual costs
- advertising or promotional assistance policies
Do Not discuss specific customers, suppliers or competitors, their terms of sale or purchase, or whether you will or will not do business with them.
Do Not engage in informal or social conversation about antitrust-sensitive issues. Either discourage those who do from continuing, or leave the discussion and clearly state your reason for doing so.
Do Not hold committee meetings or seminars without AAP staff or counsel participation or approval. AAP’s legal counsel or professional staff will review agendas, program topics and presentation outlines, provide guidance for committee members, speakers and panelists, and see that meeting and seminar discussions do not drift into legally sensitive areas. Follow staff direction if a question arises.
DO participate in Association activities, let your voice be heard in program planning and in policy formulation, contribute your knowledge, and experience to the valuable and important interchange and collection of information that are the legitimate and valuable functions of a strong trade association.
With your cooperation and acceptance of these legally prescribed guidelines, the Association, its members and its staff can focus their efforts on constructive, positive programs that benefit the publishing industry.