Final answer:
True, a person (or firm) will not be liable for wrongful interference if the interference stems from legitimate competitive behavior. This includes scenarios where a firm legitimately outperforms competitors by offering better or cheaper products. However, any anticompetitive practices like price-fixing or forming cartels are illegal and punishable under antitrust laws.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that a person will not be liable for wrongful interference if the interference results from legitimate competitive behavior is generally true. Under U.S. antitrust laws, not all actions that affect competitors are illegal. For example, if a firm achieves a large share of the market by producing a better product at a lower price, this is considered legitimate competition and not in violation of antitrust law. Such behavior is actually encouraged as it benefits consumers and rewards innovation.
However, there are certain practices that are considered anticompetitive and illegal. These include activities such as forming cartels, price-fixing, bid-rigging, and market division by allocating customers or territories. These practices are prohibited by the Federal Trade Commission and the U.S. Department of Justice because they undermine the competitive environment, leading to higher prices and less choice for consumers, rather than due to innovation or efficiency.
Therefore, the task of public policy and antitrust laws is to discern between legitimate competitive behavior, which can be rigorous and even harsh on competitors, from illegal activities that aim to manipulate the market for the benefit of a few at the expense of the broader society.