U.S. Government Seeks Input On Business Collaboration Guidelines

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) and U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) recently launched a joint public inquiry seeking input on whether to update the agencies’ antitrust guidelines for collaboration among competitors. Specifically, the agencies are seeking input on topics such as joint licensing, conditional dealing with competitors, algorithmic pricing and other legal, economic, and technological developments that may warrant additional guidance.

The FTC and DOJ said public comments will help their agencies consider reintroducing guidance in order to provide businesses with the predictability and confidence they need to collaborate and expand while avoiding anticompetitive conduct that risks raising prices or stifling innovation. Additionally, they said new guidance will help increase antitrust compliance by guiding the market on antitrust law and.

Importantly, any revisions could shape how associations and businesses evaluate collaboration opportunities with peers and competitors, making this an important development for organizations navigating advocacy, industry engagement, and other joint activities.

Comments, no longer than 18 pages each, can be submitted at regulations.gov and must be received no later than April 24, 2026. Find more information about how to submit at this link.