The Japan unit of US pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson and a Tokyo-based firm selling medical products were searched by the country’s antitrust watchdog over potential violations of the antimonopoly law, sources close to the matter said Tuesday.
The Japan Fair Trade Commission suspects Johnson & Johnson K.K. and ASP Japan of obstructing competitors’ sales of cleaners and disinfectants for endoscopes.
Related: Pfizer, Johnson & Johnson Settle High-Profile Remicade Antitrust Suit
ASP Japan said on its website that it was formerly under Johnson & Johnson until 2019 and specializes in infection prevention technology.
According to the sources, the companies allegedly required that only their disinfectants be used in endoscope cleaners that their trading partners produce. They are also believed to have created equipment maintenance contracts with hospitals that stipulate using their disinfectants.
The commission said it is looking into possible obstruction of trading and forced buying of tie-in products. Japan’s antimonopoly law bans both practices.
Featured News
DOJ and FTC Introduce Website for Reporting Anti-Competitive Healthcare Practices
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
US Congress Advances Legislation to Compel TikTok Sale
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
UK Financial Sector Advocates Enhanced Regulatory Accountability
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Google and All 50 States Defend $700 Million Consumer Settlement
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Colorado Enacts First Law to Protect Consumer Brainwave Data
Apr 18, 2024 by
CPI
Antitrust Mix by CPI
Antitrust Chronicle® – China Edition – Year of the Dragon
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Review Logic and Rules for Concentrations of Undertakings that Do Not Meet the Standard of Notification
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
China’s Review of Semiconductor Transactions
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Key Challenges and Tips for Merger Control Filing in China for Listed Companies
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI
Key Point Review: China SPC Antitrust Judgments in 2023
Apr 16, 2024 by
CPI