Litigative Economics

RRC has extensive experience in assisting attorneys in relating complex legal matters to economic, financial, and statistical evidence. RRC has been successful in the analysis of issues such as contract violations, product liability and warranty, theft of trade secrets, discrimination, monopolization, price-fixing, monopsony purchasing, boycotts, licensing restrictions, and damage theories. Often economic evidence suggests a line of argument, supported by sound economic theory, which narrows
the scope of a case and offers an efficient, effective avenue for successful litigation. 

Price Discrimination

The statutory defense of cost justification against price discrimination suits can be expensive to develop and is rarely argued in the courts. Functional discounts, however, can sometimes present an effective defense alternative when downstream customers are providing a significant cost-saving service. Usually the courts must understand the functioning distribution system and the competitive requirements in the marketplace. With continuing upstream vertical integration in many retail sectors, the traditional trade discount is being redefined. It is becoming more important to track the value of goods through the distribution channel. Some distributional efficiencies have become competitive necessities. As case law under Robinson-Pattman continues to evolve, economic analysis has been redirected in order to present effective economic testimony.