2025 Session
Last amended: 1971 session
§ 325D.51 — Unreasonable Restraint of Trade or Commerce
Plain-Language Summary
This section prohibits contracts, combinations, or conspiracies between two or more persons that unreasonably restrain trade or commerce in Minnesota. This is the core antitrust prohibition against price-fixing, market allocation, group boycotts, and other anticompetitive agreements.
325D.51 UNREASONABLE RESTRAINT OF TRADE OR COMMERCE.
A contract, combination, or conspiracy between two or more persons in unreasonable restraint of trade or commerce is unlawful.
History:
History: History:
1971 c 865 s 3
Practical Notes
When this applies: When two or more businesses or persons agree to restrain competition — such as fixing prices, dividing markets, rigging bids, or engaging in group boycotts. Who this affects: Businesses, consumers, and competitors in Minnesota. Key points: Only ‘unreasonable’ restraints are unlawful — Minnesota follows the federal rule of reason analysis. Some restraints (like naked price-fixing and bid-rigging) are considered per se unreasonable. Violations can be enforced by the Attorney General under section 8.31 or by private parties seeking damages. Remedies include injunctive relief, damages, and attorney fees.