During a virtual visit to the School of Law's antitrust class, taught by Professor John Newman, Federal Trade Commission Chair Lina M. Khan ranked the agency's actions against improper "junk" patent listings that drive up prescription drug costs for Americans, its rulemaking prohibiting fake online product reviews, and its ban on fraudsters impersonating government officials as among the agency's most significant accomplishments under her watch.
Khan, the youngest FTC chair in history, said that being part of an agency that responds to the current landscape and anticipates future challenges was rewarding. "As we've seen, there is a significant need for dynamic enforcement in antitrust, especially in our rapidly evolving economy," she said. "I believe that the challenges we face today—whether they be in tech monopolies or consumer data exploitation—are complex and require a multifaceted approach. The FTC's ability to engage in both enforcement and policymaking provides a platform to address these issues comprehensively."
Khan, who first became interested in antitrust as a business writer reporting on consolidation across markets, said she was attracted to the FTC because of the "unique combination of responsibilities that set it apart from other agencies," Khan said. "It's an incredible opportunity to work at the forefront of shaping policies that can lead to fairer markets and protect consumers from unfair business practices."
Miami law students actively engaged Khan with questions about various topics, from how those who believe in a solid antimonopoly program can better promote public engagement and antitrust reform to how orthodox antitrust approaches risk neglecting anti-competitive vertical conduct.
"Chair Khan's visit was a unique opportunity for our students to hear from and interact with one of the most influential antitrust leaders and thinkers of all time," said Newman, who has served as deputy director of the Bureau of Competition for the Federal Trade Commission, and as a trial attorney at the U.S. Department of Justice Antitrust Division.
Read more about Miami Law’s Business Law area of study.
