What is the purpose of the Robinson-Patman Act?

The Robinson-Patman Act is designed to prevent unfair pricing discrimination in the sale of goods within interstate commerce. Its primary purpose is to ensure that sellers do not discriminate between different purchasers when selling the same product, particularly in terms of price. This regulation seeks to create a level playing field for businesses, allowing for competitive pricing among sellers and protecting the interests of smaller retailers who may not have the same purchasing power as larger competitors.

By prohibiting discriminatory pricing practices, the Act aims to maintain healthy competition in the market, thereby benefiting consumers through fair pricing and ensuring that businesses of all sizes can compete on an equitable basis. This regulatory framework is crucial for promoting fairness within the marketplace, aligning closely with the Act's intention to ensure that price disparities do not inhibit competition or cause harm to smaller enterprises.