As a copy editor with SEO knowledge, it is important to understand legal terms and jargon that may be relevant to your clients` industries. One such term is “horizontal agreements” and “vertical agreements.”
Horizontal agreements refer to agreements made between companies that would typically be considered competitors. These agreements can be in various forms, such as price-fixing, market allocation, bid-rigging, and output restrictions. These agreements are illegal under antitrust laws and can lead to penalties and legal action.
On the other hand, vertical agreements are made between companies at different levels of the supply chain. For example, a manufacturer may have a vertical agreement with a distributor or a retailer. These agreements can cover various aspects of the relationship between the companies, such as pricing, distribution, and marketing.
Vertical agreements are generally legal, but some specific types of vertical agreements may be subject to scrutiny under antitrust laws. For example, agreements that include vertical price-fixing, where a manufacturer sets the minimum price that a retailer can charge for their product, may be considered illegal.
It is essential to understand the difference between horizontal and vertical agreements to ensure that your clients` businesses comply with antitrust laws. As a copy editor, you may be working on materials such as marketing collateral, website copy, or social media posts that can indirectly impact your clients` compliance with these laws. Therefore, it is crucial to communicate with your clients and ensure that their materials do not make any reference to illegal practices or promote prohibited activities.
In summary, horizontal agreements are made between competitors and are illegal under antitrust laws, while vertical agreements are made between companies at different levels of the supply chain and are generally legal, subject to scrutiny in some cases. As a professional, it is essential to understand these legal terms to ensure your clients` compliance with antitrust laws and avoid any negative impact on their online presence and reputation.