Xbox, Activision, FTC, CMA: What Happens Next? (VL763)

Virtual Legality

In this episode, Richard Hoeg delves into the FTC vs MSABK case, with a focus on antitrust laws and relevant cases. He examines the court's burden in merger cases, the FTC's stance, and the relevance of the Brown Shoe case. The conversation continues on FTC's challenges in proving merger legality doubts, their claims of court errors, and the potential harm to consumers post-merger. The episode also covers Microsoft's response, media misinterpretations, and potential settlements with UK's CMA. (0:00) Introduction and Recap of the FTC vs MSABK case (8:03) Deep Dive into Antitrust Law and Relevant Cases (15:16) Examination of the Court's Burden in Merger Cases and FTC's Stance (18:43) Relevance of Brown Shoe Case in Establishing Antitrust Harm and Understanding Tying Contracts (24:46) Continuation on FTC's Uphill Battle in Proving Doubts about Merger's Legality (32:20) FTC's Claim on Court's Errors and Misapplications of Law (37:34) FTC's Arguments on Immediate Harm to Consumers and the Market Post-Merger (40:44) Microsoft's Response to FTC's Claims and Consequences of TRO Expiring (44:03) Media's Misinterpretation of the FTC's Appeal and Microsoft's Discussions with UK's CMA (49:20) Potential Settlement between Microsoft and CMA and Explanation of Nasdaq Indexes (52:19) Acknowledgement of Support and Closing Remarks