| 释义 |
monopoly
n. A situation in which a substantial proportion of a particular type of business is transacted by a single enterprise or trader. The Enterprise Act 2002 and Fair Trading Act 1973 contain provisions assigning functions in respect of monopolies to the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), as successor to the Office of Fair Trading. It defines a monopoly situation, in relation to the supply of goods and services and the export of goods, as one in which a single enterprise, connected group of companies, or trade association has one-quarter of the relevant business. When the CMA finds that a monopoly situation exists and operates against the public interest, the Minister has powers to remedy or prevent the adverse effects. Sometimes monopolies involving more than one company (complex monopolies) are investigated. The CMA may also investigate joint abuses of a dominant position that breach Chapter II of the Competition Act 1998 and thus has a choice as to which provisions are used to investigate monopolies. |