We follow the law
Antitrust and competition laws
Cox competes fairly and complies with all antitrust and competition laws in the markets where we do business.
These laws are often complex and vary by country, but generally are designed to stop competitors from creating agreements that prevent or restrict free competition. Violating antitrust and competition laws can result in criminal prosecution, as well as significant financial penalties.
WHAT IF...
AN INFORMAL CONVERSATION WITH A COMPETITOR AT AN INDUSTRY TRADE SHOW STARTS TO TURN INTO A DISCUSSION ABOUT PRICING STRATEGIES?
Make it clear that you won’t participate in any discussion of competitive matters. Then, promptly leave and report the incident to your Compliance Officer.
- Be up-front and honest in your business dealings and promote positive business relationships everywhere we operate.
- Sell our products and services based on their great quality and performance.
- Avoid even the appearance of anything that could suggest something unfair or deceptive.
- Communicate with our competitors about “fixing” prices or terms (for example, setting minimum or maximum prices, agreeing on pricing formulas, etc.).
- Communicate with our competitors about dividing up markets, clients or territories, or preventing companies from entering the market.
- Interfere with the competitive bidding process.
- Steal trade secrets.
WHAT IF...
THE NEW GUY ON OUR TEAM USED TO WORK FOR ONE OF OUR COMPETITORS. IS IT OKAY TO ASK HIM ABOUT THE NEW PRODUCT FEATURES THAT HIS COMPANY WAS DEVELOPING RIGHT BEFORE HE LEFT?
No, it is never appropriate to obtain information about our competitors in this way. We have an obligation to gather competitive information lawfully and ethically.