The Sherman Antitrust Act is designed to protect what?

The Sherman Antitrust Act primarily focuses on maintaining competition in the marketplace rather than protecting individual competitors. This law was enacted to prevent monopolistic practices and promote fair competition, ensuring that markets remain open and accessible. By prohibiting monopolies and conspiracies that restrain trade, the Act aims to foster an environment where various businesses can compete fairly for consumers' business.

This focus on competition implies that while individual companies may benefit from this environment, the overarching intent of the legislation is to create a level playing field that benefits consumers and the economy as a whole, rather than safeguarding the interests of any specific competitor. Thus, understanding that the Act seeks to encourage a competitive market structure clarifies why it is stated that the aim is competition, not competitors.