Combinations in Restraint of TradeEnforcement
Section § 16750
If someone is harmed in their business or property because of something illegal under this chapter, they can sue for damages in a court where the defendant or their agent is located. They can recover triple the damages, plus interest, legal costs, and reasonable attorney fees.
The state and its agencies are considered a 'person' and can also sue. The Attorney General can take legal actions on behalf of the state or its agencies to recover damages, but the affected agency can decide to withdraw this authority.
The Attorney General can partner with other plaintiffs for shared efforts in antitrust actions, and there's an antitrust account where proceeds from such actions are deposited. There's a limit to how much can be retained for these efforts, based on expenses or a percentage of the recovery.
District attorneys can also prosecute similar actions for their county but must notify the Attorney General beforehand. A district attorney can retain their investigation costs or a percentage of the proceeds, whichever is higher.
This section does not grant district attorneys powers given to the Attorney General under certain federal antitrust improvements laws unless directed by the Attorney General.
Section § 16750.1
If you want to take someone to court for breaking the rules in this chapter, you have to start the process within four years of the violation. Also, if the claim was already barred under the law before a change in 1977-78, you can't bring it up again due to that change.
Section § 16750.2
If someone sues in California's Supreme Court or appeals court, claiming a breach of the laws in this chapter, they must notify the Attorney General within three days of starting the case. This notification period can be extended by the court if there's a good reason. The court won't make any decisions or offer any relief until proof of this notification is given to them.
Section § 16751
This law says that if a court case is going on and the judge thinks it's necessary for fairness, additional people can be added to the case, even if they don't live in the same county where the case is happening.
Section § 16752
If a corporation or association breaks the rules in this chapter, the Attorney General or district attorney can go to court to try to strip the corporation of its rights, privileges, and powers, or even dissolve it completely.
Section § 16753
This law states that if a foreign corporation or association is doing business in California and breaks any rules in this chapter, they can lose their right to operate in the state. If found guilty by a court, the Attorney General or local district attorney can take legal action against them, and the Secretary of State will cancel their business license in California.
Section § 16754
This law states that either the Attorney General or a district attorney can take legal action against violations of certain business regulations. They can start civil or criminal cases in the county where the wrongdoing happened, where the wrongdoer lives, or where a company involved is operating. Also, if a district attorney handles the case, the Attorney General has specific additional powers.
Section § 16754.5
Section § 16755
This law section defines any violation of this chapter as a conspiracy against trade. People involved in this are subject to penalties. Corporations can be fined up to $1 million or more if applicable. Individuals may face prison time or a hefty fine. If someone profits from the violation or causes loss to others, they might be fined double the gain or loss. Legal action must start within four years of the last violation act. Fines collected go to the county treasurer, and funds are distributed based on whether the Attorney General or district attorney initiated the case, sharing as necessary between counties involved in prosecution.
Section § 16756
This law says that when charging someone with certain types of offenses, it's enough to simply say what the group's purpose or effects are and that the person was involved with it. You don't need to include the group's name or details about how or when it was formed.
Section § 16757
This law explains that in cases involving illegal trusts or corporate combinations, it's enough to show that the trust exists and that the defendant was part of or associated with it. Prosecutors don't need to present evidence of all the involved members or any written agreements. Additionally, the nature of the trust can be demonstrated by its general reputation.
Section § 16758
This law states that if the Attorney General or a district attorney brings a case involving violations of certain business regulations, a person cannot refuse to testify or provide evidence by claiming that it might incriminate them. However, if they do provide such testimony or evidence, they are protected from being prosecuted or penalized based on that testimony or evidence.
Section § 16759
This law gives district attorneys and city attorneys in large cities the same investigative powers as the California Attorney General when they suspect certain violations of business-related laws. These powers allow them to investigate potential violations like unfair competition or antitrust issues. Investigations must follow specific legal procedures, including respecting a person’s right not to incriminate themselves. If someone objects to a subpoena, they must try to resolve the issue with the issuer first. If they cannot agree, they can ask the court to change or cancel the subpoena.
Section § 16760
This law allows the Attorney General (or district attorney) of California to sue on behalf of residents if their property is harmed by companies breaking this specific law. They can ask for up to three times the damages caused. People can choose to opt-out of the case if they want. If the Attorney General acts in bad faith, the court may make them pay the defendant’s legal fees. Notices about the lawsuit can be published, but if that's not enough, additional notice might be required. Settlements or dismissals of such actions need court approval. Damages can be calculated as a whole, using methods like statistics. Money won in such cases can be given back to the affected people, or if not claimed, treated as unclaimed property. The Attorney General's powers are in addition to their usual powers at common law.
Section § 16761
This law allows a court to add interest to the damages awarded to someone who wins a lawsuit under specific sections of the Business and Professions Code. The interest rate is 10% per year, starting from the date the complaint is filed until the judgment is made. However, the court will only award this interest if it seems fair after considering certain factors. These factors include whether either party tried to stall the case or acted in bad faith, violated any rules or orders, and engaged in behavior just to delay the case or raise costs.