Texaco Inc. v. Dagher

547 U.S. 1 (2006) Supreme Court of the United States 2006-02-28

civil class action (service station owners v. joint-venture parents); summary judgment for defendants reversed by CA9; certiorari; only question is whether per se (or quick look) condemnation applies to the venture's own pricing (result: claimant-lost)

Facts

  1. 3 Ancillary restraints doctrine (restraint subordinate and collateral to a legitimate productive integration) not law
    That doctrine governs the validity of restrictions imposed by a legitimate business collaboration, such as a business association or joint venture, on nonventure activities.
  2. 3 Ancillary restraints doctrine (restraint subordinate and collateral to a legitimate productive integration) not law
    We agree with petitioners that the ancillary restraints doctrine has no application here, where the business practice being challenged involves the core activity of the joint venture itself — namely, the pricing of the very goods produced and sold by Equilon.