Antitrust and Trade Regulation laws aim to promote free competition in the marketplace. Agreements or cooperative efforts by two or more entities that affects or restrains competitors is illegal under these laws. The Sherman Act makes illegal any contract, combination, or conspiracy in restraint of trade or commerce and makes monopolies and attempts, combinations, or conspiracies to monopolize illegal. The Clayton Act regulate price discrimination, tying and exclusive dealing contracts, stock acquisition and interlocking directorates.
Belvidere pronounced /ˈbɛlvɨˌdɪər/ is a city in Boone County, Illinois, United States. The population was 20,820 at the 2000 census. It is the county seat of Boone County. 2005 population estimates show a large increase, as the population rose to 24,593. Belvidere is part of the Rockford, Illinois Metropolitan Statistical Area.