[Federal Register Volume 64, Number 86 (Wednesday, May 5, 1999)]
[Notices]
[Pages 24178-24187]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 99-11235]


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DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE

Antitrust Division

FEDERAL TRADE COMMISSION


Notice of Agreement entered into by the Government of the United 
States of America and the Government of Australia on Mutual Antitrust 
Enforcement Assistance

AGENCIES: Department of Justice and Federal Trade Commission.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: Pursuant to section 7(c) of the International Antitrust 
Enforcement Assistance Act (IAEAA), 15 U.S.C. 6206(c), the Attorney 
General, with the concurrence of the Federal Trade Commission, hereby 
publishes the text of an Agreement entered into on April 27, 1999, by 
the Government of the United States of America and the Government of 
Australia on Mutual Antitrust Enforcement Assistance. The Agreement is 
the first mutual antitrust enforcement assistance agreement entered 
into pursuant to the IAEAA, and will enter into force in accordance 
with the terms of Article XIII of the Agreement.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION: Persons wishing to learn more about the 
Agreement should contact Mr. Charles S. Stark, Chief, Foreign Commerce 
Section, Antitrust Division, Department of Justice, 950 Pennsylvania 
Avenue, NW, Washington, DC 20530, 202-514-2464, or Mr. Randolph 
Tritell, Assistant Director, International Antitrust, Bureau of 
Competition, Federal Trade Commission, Washington, DC 20580, 202-326-
3051.

    Dated: April 28, 1999.
Charles S. Stark,
Chief, Foreign Commerce Section, Antitrust Division, Department of 
Justice.

AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND 
THE GOVERNMENT OF AUSTRALIA ON MUTUAL ANTITRUST ENFORCEMENT ASSISTANCE

    The Government of the United States of America and the Government 
of Australia (individually a ``Party'' or collectively the 
``Parties''), desiring to improve the effectiveness of the enforcement 
of the antitrust laws of both countries through cooperation and mutual 
legal assistance on a reciprocal basis, hereby agree as follows:

Article I--Definitions

    Antitrust Authority--refers, in the case of the United States, to 
the United States Department of Justice or the United States Federal 
Trade Commission. In the case of Australia, the term refers to the 
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission.
    Antitrust Evidence--refers to information, testimony, statements, 
documents or copies thereof, or other things that are obtained, in 
anticipation of, or during the course of, an investigation or 
proceeding under the Parties' respective antitrust laws, or pursuant to 
the Parties' Mutual Assistance Legislation.
    Antitrust Laws--refers, in the case of the United States, to the 
laws

[[Page 24179]]

enumerated in subsection (a) of the first section of the Clayton Act, 
15 U.S.C. 12(a), and to Section 5 of the Federal Trade Commission Act, 
15 U.S.C. 45, to the extent that such Section 5 applies to unfair 
methods of competition. In the case of Australia, the term refers to 
Part IV of the Trade Practices Act 1974; other provisions of that Act 
except Part X in so far as they relate to Part IV; Regulations made 
under that Act in so far as they relate to Part IV, except Regulations 
to the extent that they relate to Part X; and the Competition Code of 
the Australian States and Territories.
    Central Authority--refers, in the case of the United States, to the 
Attorney General (or a person designated by the Attorney General), in 
consultation with the U.S. Federal Trade Commission. In the case of 
Australia, the term refers to the Australian Competition and Consumer 
Commission, in consultation with the Attorney General's Department.
    Executing Authority--refers, in the case of the United States, to 
the Antitrust Authority designated to execute a particular request on 
behalf of a Party. In the case of Australia, the term includes the 
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Attorney 
General's Department.
    Mutual Assistance Legislation--refers, in the case of the United 
States, to the International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act of 
1994, 15 U.S.C. 6201-6212, Public Law 103-438, 108 Stat. 4597. In the 
case of Australia, the term refers to the Mutual Assistance in Business 
Regulation Act 1992 and the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 
1987, and Regulations made pursuant to those Acts.
    Person or Persons--refers to any natural person or legal entity, 
including corporations, unincorporated associations, partnerships, or 
bodies corporate existing under or authorized by the laws of either the 
United States, its States, or its Territories, the laws of Australia, 
its States, or its Territories, or the laws of other sovereign states.
    Request--refers to a request for assistance under this Agreement.
    Requested Party--refers to the Party from which assistance is 
sought under this Agreement, or which has provided such assistance.
    Requesting Party--refers to the Party seeking or receiving 
assistance under this Agreement.

Article II--Object and Scope of Assistance

    A. The Parties intend to assist one another and to cooperate on a 
reciprocal basis in providing or obtaining antitrust evidence that may 
assist in determining whether a person has violated, or is about to 
violate, their respective antitrust laws, or in facilitating the 
administration or enforcement of such antitrust laws.
    B. Each Party's Antitrust Authorities shall, to the extent 
compatible with that Party's laws, enforcement policies, and other 
important interests, inform the other Party's Antitrust Authorities 
about activities that appear to be anticompetitive and that may be 
relevant to, or may warrant, enforcement activity by the other Party's 
Antitrust Authorities.
    C. Each Party's Antitrust Authorities shall, to the extent 
compatible with that Party's laws, enforcement policies, and other 
important interests, inform the other Party's Antitrust Authorities 
about investigative or enforcement activities taken pursuant to 
assistance provided under this Agreement that may affect the important 
interests of the other Party.
    D. Nothing in this Agreement shall require the Parties or their 
respective Antitrust Authorities to take any action inconsistent with 
their respective Mutual Assistance Legislation.
    E. Assistance contemplated by this Agreement includes but is not 
limited to:
    1. Disclosing, providing, exchanging, or discussing antitrust 
evidence in the possession of an Antitrust Authority;
    2. Obtaining antitrust evidence at the request of an Antitrust 
Authority of the other Party, including
    (a) Taking the testimony or statements of persons or otherwise 
obtaining information from persons,
    (b) Obtaining documents, records, or other forms of documentary 
evidence,
    (c) Locating or identifying persons or things, and
    (d) Executing searches and seizures, and disclosing, providing, 
exchanging, or discussing such evidence; and
    3. Providing copies of publicly available records, including 
documents or information in any form, in the possession of government 
departments and agencies of the national government of the Requested 
Party.
    F. Assistance may be provided whether or not the conduct underlying 
a request would constitute a violation of the antitrust laws of the 
Requested Party.
    G. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent a Party from seeking 
assistance from or providing assistance to the other pursuant to other 
agreements, treaties, arrangements, or practices, including the 
Agreement Between the Government of Australia and the Government of the 
United States of America Relating to Cooperation on Antitrust Matters 
of June 29, 1982, either in place of or in conjunction with assistance 
provided pursuant to this Agreement.
    H. Except as provided by paragraphs C and D of Article VII, this 
Agreement shall be used solely for the purpose of mutual antitrust 
enforcement assistance between the Parties. The provisions of this 
Agreement shall not give rise to a right on the part of any private 
person to obtain, suppress, or exclude any evidence, or to impede the 
execution of a request made pursuant to this Agreement.
    I. Nothing in this Agreement compels a person to provide antitrust 
evidence in violation of any legally applicable right or privilege.
    J. Nothing in this Agreement affects the right of an Antitrust 
Authority of one Party to seek antitrust evidence on a voluntary basis 
from a person located in the territory of the other Party, nor does 
anything in this Agreement preclude any such person from voluntarily 
providing antitrust evidence to an Antitrust Authority.

Article III--Requests for Assistance

    A. Requests for assistance under this Agreement shall be made by an 
Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party. Such requests shall be 
made in writing and directed to the Central Authority of the Requested 
Party. With respect to the United States, the Attorney General, acting 
as the Central Authority, will upon receipt forward a copy of each 
request to the Federal Trade Commission.
    B. Requests shall include, without limitation:
    1. A general description of the subject matter and nature of the 
investigation or proceeding to which the request relates, including 
identification of the persons subject to the investigation or 
proceeding and citations to the specific antitrust laws involved giving 
rise to the investigation or proceeding; such description shall include 
information sufficient to explain how the subject matter of the request 
concerns a possible violation of the antitrust laws in question;
    2. The purpose for which the antitrust evidence, information, or 
other assistance is sought and its relevance to the investigation or 
proceeding to which the request relates. A request by the United States 
shall state either that the request is not made for the purpose of any 
criminal proceedings or that the request is made for a purpose that 
includes possible criminal proceedings. In the former case, the request 
shall contain a written assurance that antitrust evidence obtained 
pursuant to the request shall not be used for the purposes of criminal 
proceedings,

[[Page 24180]]

unless such use is subsequently authorized pursuant to Article VII. In 
the latter case, the request shall indicate the relevant provisions of 
law under which criminal proceedings may be brought;
    3. A description of the antitrust evidence, information, or other 
assistance sought, including, where applicable and to the extent 
necessary and possible:
    (a) The identity and location of any person from whom evidence is 
sought, and a description of that person's relationship to the 
investigation or proceeding which is the subject of the request;
    (b) A list of questions to be asked of a witness;
    (c) A description of documentary evidence requested; and
    (d) with respect to searches and seizures, a precise description of 
the place or person to be searched and of the antitrust evidence to be 
seized, and information justifying such search and seizure under the 
laws of the Requested Party;
    4. Where applicable, a description of procedural or evidentiary 
requirements bearing on the manner in which the Requesting Party 
desires the request to be executed, which may include requirements 
relating to:
    (a) The manner in which any testimony or statement is to be taken 
or recorded, including the participation of counsel;
    (b) The administration of oaths;
    (c) Any legal privileges that may be invoked under the law of the 
Requesting Party that the Requesting Party wishes the Executing 
Authority to respect in executing the request, together with an 
explanation of the desired method of taking the testimony or provision 
of evidence to which such privileges may apply; and
    (d) The authentication of public records;
    5. The desired time period for a response to the request;
    6. Requirements, if any, for confidential treatment of the request 
or its contents; and
    7. A statement disclosing whether the Requesting Party holds any 
proprietary interest that could benefit or otherwise be affected by 
assistance provided in response to the request; and
    8. Any other information that may facilitate review or execution of 
a request.
    C. Requests shall be accompanied by written assurances of the 
relevant Antitrust Authority that there have been no significant 
modifications to the confidentiality laws and procedures described in 
Annex A hereto.
    D. An Antitrust Authority may modify or supplement a request prior 
to its execution if the Requested Party agrees.

Article IV--Limitations on Assistance

    A. The Requested Party may deny assistance in whole or in part if 
that Party's Central Authority or Executing Authority, as appropriate, 
determine that:
    1. A request is not made in accordance with the provisions of this 
Agreement;
    2. Execution of a request would exceed the Executing Authority's 
reasonably available resources;
    3. Execution of a request would not be authorized by the domestic 
law of the Requested Party;
    4. Execution of a request would be contrary to the public interest 
of the Requested Party.
    B. Before denying a request, the Central Authority or the Executing 
Authority of the Requested Party, as appropriate, shall consult with 
the Central Authority of the Requesting Party and the Antitrust 
Authority that made the request to determine whether assistance may be 
given in whole or in part, subject to specified terms and conditions.
    C. If a request is denied in whole or in part, the Central 
Authority or the Executing Authority of the Requested Party, as 
appropriate, shall promptly inform the Central Authority of the 
Requesting Party and the Antitrust Authority that made the request and 
provide an explanation of the basis for denial.

Article V--Execution of Requests

    A. After receiving a request, the Central Authority shall promptly 
provide the Requesting Party an initial response that includes, when 
applicable, an identification of the Executing Authority (Authorities) 
for the Request.
    B. The Central Authority of the United States, the Attorney General 
of Australia, or, once designated, the Executing Authority of either 
Party may request additional information concerning the request or may 
determine that the request will be executed only subject to specified 
terms and conditions. Without limitation, such terms and conditions may 
relate to (1) the manner or timing of the execution of the request, or 
(2) the use or disclosure of any antitrust evidence provided. If the 
Requesting Party accepts assistance subject to such terms and 
conditions, it shall comply with them.
    C. A request shall be executed in accordance with the laws of the 
Requested Party. The method of execution specified in the request shall 
be followed, unless it is prohibited by the law of the Requested Party 
or unless the Executing Authority otherwise concludes, after 
consultation with the Authority that made the request, that a different 
method of execution is appropriate.
    D. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the 
laws and other important interests of the Requested Party, facilitate 
the participation in the execution of a request of such officials of 
the Requesting Party as are specified in the request.

Article VI--Confidentiality

    A. Except as otherwise provided by this paragraph and Article VII, 
each Party shall, to the fullest extent possible consistent with that 
Party's laws, maintain the confidentiality of any request and of any 
information communicated to it in confidence by the other Party under 
this Agreement. In particular:
    1. The Requesting Party may ask that assistance be provided in a 
manner that maintains the confidentiality of a request and/or its 
contents. If a request cannot be executed in that manner, the Requested 
Party shall so inform the Requesting Party, which shall then determine 
the extent to which it wishes the request to be executed; and
    2. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement shall be 
kept confidential by both the Requesting Party and the Requested Party, 
except as provided in paragraph E of this Article and Article VII.
    Each Party shall oppose, to the fullest extent possible consistent 
with that Party's laws, any application by a third party for disclosure 
of such confidential information.
    B. By entering into this Agreement, each Party confirms that:
    1. The confidentiality of antitrust evidence obtained under this 
Agreement is ensured by its national laws and procedures pertaining to 
the confidential treatment of such evidence, and that such laws and 
procedures as are set forth in Annex A to this Agreement are sufficient 
to provide protection that is adequate to maintain securely the 
confidentiality of antitrust evidence provided under this Agreement; 
and
    2. The Antitrust Authorities designated herein are themselves 
subject to the confidentiality restrictions imposed by such laws and 
procedures.
    C. Unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information 
communicated in confidence to a Party pursuant to this

[[Page 24181]]

Agreement shall be reported immediately to the Central Authority and 
the Executing Authority of the Party that provided the information; the 
Central Authorities of both Parties, together with the Executing 
Authority that provided the information, shall promptly consult on 
steps to minimize any harm resulting from the disclosure and to ensure 
that unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of confidential 
information does not recur. The Executing Authority that provided the 
information shall give notice of such unauthorized or illegal 
disclosure or use to the person, if any, that provided such information 
to the Executing Authority.
    D. Unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information 
communicated in confidence under this Agreement is a ground for 
termination of the Agreement by the affected Party, in accordance with 
the procedures set out in Article XIII.C.
    E. Nothing in this Agreement shall prevent disclosure, in an action 
or proceeding brought by an Antitrust Authority of the Requesting Party 
for a violation of the antitrust laws of the Requesting Party, of 
antitrust evidence provided hereunder to a defendant or respondent in 
that action or proceeding, if such disclosure is required by the law of 
the Requesting Party. The Requesting Party shall notify the Central 
Authority of the Requested Party and the Executing Authority that 
provided the information at least ten days in advance of any such 
proposed disclosure, or, if such notice cannot be given because of a 
court order, then as promptly as possible.

Article VII--Limitations on Use

    A. Except as provided in paragraphs C and D of this Article, 
antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement shall be used or 
disclosed by the Requesting Party solely for the purpose of 
administering or enforcing the antitrust laws of the Requesting Party.
    B. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement may be 
used or disclosed by a Requesting Party to administer or enforce its 
antitrust laws only (1) in the investigation or proceeding specified in 
the request in question and (2) for the purpose stated in the request, 
unless the Executing Authority that provided such antitrust evidence 
has given its prior written consent to a different use or disclosure; 
when the Requested Party is Australia, such consent shall not be given 
until the Executing Authority has obtained any necessary approval from 
the Attorney General.
    C. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement may be 
used or disclosed by a Requesting Party with respect to the 
administration or enforcement of laws other than its antitrust laws 
only if (1) such use or disclosure is essential to a significant law 
enforcement objective and (2) the Executing Authority that provided 
such antitrust evidence has given its prior written consent to the 
proposed use or disclosure. In the case of the United States, the 
Executing Authority shall provide such consent only after it has made 
the determinations required for such consent by its mutual assistance 
legislation.
    D. Antitrust evidence obtained pursuant to this Agreement that has 
been made public consistently with the terms of this Article may 
thereafter be used by the Requesting Party for any purpose consistent 
with the Parties' mutual assistance legislation.

Article VIII--Changes in Applicable Law

    A. The Parties shall provide to each other prompt written notice of 
actions within their respective States having the effect of 
significantly modifying their antitrust laws or the confidentiality 
laws and procedures set out in Annex A to this Agreement.
    B. In the event of a significant modification to a Party's 
antitrust laws or confidentiality laws and procedures set out in Annex 
A to this Agreement, the Parties shall promptly consult to determine 
whether this Agreement or Annex A to this Agreement should be amended.

Article IX--Taking of Testimony and Production of Documents

    A. A person requested to testify and produce documents, records, or 
other articles pursuant to this Agreement may be compelled to appear 
and testify and produce such documents, records, and other articles, in 
accordance with the requirements of the laws of the Requested Party. 
Every person whose attendance is required for the purpose of giving 
testimony pursuant to this Agreement is entitled to such fees and 
allowances as may be provided for by the law of the Requested Party.
    B. Upon request by the Requesting Party, the Executing Authority 
shall furnish information in advance about the date and place of the 
taking of testimony or the production of evidence pursuant to this 
Agreement.
    C. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the 
laws and other important interests of the Requested Party, permit the 
presence during the execution of the request of persons specified in 
the request, and shall, to the extent permitted by the laws and other 
important interests of the Requested Party, allow such persons to 
question the person giving the testimony or providing the evidence.
    D. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the 
laws of the Requested Party, comply with any instructions of the 
Requesting Party with respect to any claims of legal privilege, 
immunity, or incapacity under the laws of the Requesting Party.
    E. The Executing Authority shall, to the extent permitted by the 
laws of the Requested Party, permit a person whose testimony is to be 
taken pursuant to this Article to have counsel present during the 
testimony.
    F. A Requesting Party may ask the Requested Party to facilitate the 
appearance in the Requesting Party's territory of a person located in 
the territory of the Requested Party, for the purpose of being 
interviewed or giving testimony. The Requesting Party shall indicate 
the extent to which the person's expenses will be paid. Upon receiving 
such a request, the Executing Authority shall invite the person to 
appear before the appropriate authority in the territory of the 
Requesting Party. The Executing Authority shall promptly inform the 
Requesting Party of the person's response.
    G. Antitrust evidence consisting of testimony or documentary 
evidence provided by the Requested Party pursuant to this Agreement 
shall be authenticated in accordance with the requirements of the law 
of the Requesting Party, in so far as such requirements would not 
violate the laws of the Requested Party.

Article X--Search and Seizure

    A. Where a request is to be executed by means of the search and 
seizure of antitrust evidence, the request shall include such 
information as is necessary to justify such action under the laws of 
the Requested Party. The Central Authorities shall confer, as needed, 
on alternative, equally effective procedures for compelling or 
obtaining the antitrust evidence that is the subject of a request.
    B. Upon request, every official of a Requested Party who has 
custody of antitrust evidence seized pursuant to this Agreement shall 
certify the continuity of custody, the identity of the antitrust 
evidence, and the integrity of its condition; the Requested Party shall 
furnish such certifications in the form specified by the Requesting 
Party.

[[Page 24182]]

Article XI--Return of Antitrust Evidence

    At the conclusion of the investigation or proceeding specified in a 
request, the Central Authority or the Antitrust Authority of the 
Requesting Party shall return to the Central Authority or the Antitrust 
Authority of the Requested Party from which it obtained antitrust 
evidence all such evidence obtained pursuant to the execution of a 
request under this Agreement, along with all copies thereof, in the 
possession or control of the Central Authority or Antitrust Authority 
of the Requesting Party; provided, however, that antitrust evidence 
that has become evidence in the course of judicial or administrative 
proceedings or that has properly entered the public domain is not 
subject to this requirement.

Article XII--Costs

    Unless otherwise agreed, the Requested Party shall pay all costs of 
executing a request, except for the fees of expert witnesses, the costs 
of translation, interpretation, and transcription, and the allowances 
and expenses related to travel to the territory of the Requested Party, 
pursuant to Articles IX and X, by officials of the Requesting Party.

Article XIII--Entry into Force and Termination

    A. This Agreement shall enter into force upon notification by each 
Party to the other through diplomatic channels that it has completed 
its necessary internal procedures.
    B. Assistance under this Agreement shall be available in 
investigations or proceedings under the Parties' antitrust laws 
concerning conduct or transactions occurring before as well as after 
this Agreement enters into force.
    C. As stated in Article VI.D of this Agreement, a Party may 
unilaterally elect to terminate this Agreement upon the unauthorized or 
illegal disclosure or use of confidential antitrust evidence provided 
hereunder; provided, however, that neither Party shall make such an 
election until after it has consulted with the other Party, pursuant to 
Article VI.C, regarding steps to minimize any harm resulting from the 
unauthorized or illegal disclosure or use of information communicated 
in confidence under this Agreement, and steps to ensure that such 
disclosure or use does not recur. Termination shall take effect 
immediately upon notice or at such future date as may be determined by 
the terminating Party.
    D. On termination of this Agreement, the Parties agree, subject to 
Article VI.E and Article VII, to maintain the confidentiality of any 
request and information communicated to them in confidence by the other 
Party under this Agreement prior to its termination; and to return, in 
accordance with the terms of Article XI, any antitrust evidence 
obtained from the other Party under this Agreement; provided, however, 
that any such request or information that has become public in the 
course of public judicial or administrative proceedings is not subject 
to this requirement.
    E. In addition to the procedure set forth in paragraph C of this 
Article, either Party may terminate this Agreement by means of written 
notice through diplomatic channels. Termination shall take effect 30 
days after the date of receipt of such notification.
    In witness whereof, the undersigned, being duly authorized by their 
respective Governments, have signed this Agreement.
    Done at Washington, this 27th day of April, 1999, in duplicate, in 
the English language.

    For the Government of the the United States of America:
Janet Reno /S/
Robert Pitofsky /s/
    For the Government of Australia:
Peter Costello /s/
    Annex A--This Annex cites and briefly describes the confidentiality 
laws and procedures that would protect the confidentiality of antitrust 
evidence that may be provided under this Agreement. Also included are 
laws and procedures that provide sanctions for breaches of the 
confidentiality provisions described herein.

I. United States of America

A. Confidentiality Laws and Procedures

15 U.S.C. 6201-6212, International Antitrust Enforcement Assistance Act
    This statute authorizes the Department of Justice (DOJ) and the 
Federal Trade Commission (FTC or, as used in this Part I, Commission) 
to enter into bilateral agreements with other countries permitting 
mutual assistance in the enforcement of the antitrust laws. 
Specifically, it permits DOJ and FTC to exchange certain otherwise 
confidential investigative information with foreign antitrust 
authorities, where this will be in the public interest of the United 
States and where it satisfies the important confidentiality and other 
safeguards outlined in the statute.
    Section 6207(b) of the statute prohibits DOJ and FTC from 
disclosing, in violation of an antitrust mutual assistance agreement, 
any antitrust evidence received under such agreement, except to the 
extent such disclosure is required by law to be made to a defendant or 
respondent in an action brought by DOJ or FTC. Such antitrust evidence 
is exempt from other provisions of law that might otherwise be 
construed to require disclosure, including the Freedom of Information 
Act, 5 U.S.C. 552, described below.
    This statute does not provide specific enforcement mechanisms for 
the confidentiality provision, or penalties for its breach. Other laws 
and regulations, however, prohibit the improper use of non-public 
information. See discussion in Part B, infra.
15 U.S.C. 1311-1314, Antitrust Civil Process Act (applies only to DOJ)
    This statute authorizes the DOJ Antitrust Division to issue 
compulsory process for documents or testimony in furtherance of civil 
investigations. Section 1313(c) of this statute provides that, other 
than for use in oral depositions in furtherance of such investigations, 
no documents or transcripts produced pursuant to such compulsory 
process shall be made publicly available without the consent of the 
party that produced the materials. Such materials may, however, be used 
when necessary before any court, grand jury or federal administrative 
or regulatory agency in any case or proceeding, including an 
investigation or proceeding conducted by the FTC. Such materials may 
also be disclosed to Congress or to any authorized committee or 
subcommittee thereof.
    Section 1313(e) also provides for the return, at the completion of 
an investigation, of original materials produced pursuant to this 
statute during the course of the investigation. Any requests for the 
return of such materials must be in writing. The Division is permitted, 
however, in certain circumstances, to keep copies of materials 
produced.
    Section 1314(g) exempts documents and testimony submitted in 
response to compulsory process authorized by this statute from 
disclosure under FOIA.
    This statute does not provide specific enforcement mechanisms for 
the confidentiality provision, or penalties for its breach. Other laws 
and regulations, however, prohibit the improper use of non-public 
information. See discussion in part B, infra.
15 U.S.C. 41-68, the Federal Trade Commission Act (applies only to FTC)
    The confidentiality provisions of the Federal Trade Commission Act 
are as follows:

[[Page 24183]]

    Section 6(f) [15 U.S.C. 46(f)] states that the Commission shall not 
have any authority to make public any trade secret or any commercial or 
financial information which is obtained from any person and which is 
privileged or confidential, except that the Commission may disclose 
such information to officers and employees of appropriate Federal law 
enforcement agencies or to any officer or employee of any State law 
enforcement agency upon the prior certification of an officer of any 
such Federal or State law enforcement agency that such information will 
be maintained in confidence and will be used only for official law 
enforcement purposes.
    Section 21(b) [15 U.S.C. 57b-2(b)] provides that any document, 
tangible thing, or transcript of oral testimony received by the 
Commission pursuant to compulsory process in an investigation, a 
purpose of which is to determine whether any person may have violated 
any provision of the laws administered by the Commission, may not be 
made available for examination by any individual other than a duly 
authorized officer or employee of the Commission (including contractors 
and consultants) without the consent of the person who produced the 
document, thing, or transcript. Such materials may be used in 
Commission proceedings and in judicial proceedings in which the 
Commission is a party. Such materials may also be made available to 
other Federal and State law enforcement agencies upon the certification 
of an officer of such an agency that such information will be 
maintained in confidence and will be used only for official law 
enforcement purposes. This section does not prevent disclosure to 
Congress, but the Commission is required to notify immediately the 
owner or provider of any such information of a request from Congress 
for information designated as confidential by the owner or provider.
    Section 21(c) [15 U.S.C. 57b-2(c)] provides that all information 
reported to or otherwise obtained by the Commission which is not 
subject to the requirements of Section 21(b) shall be considered 
confidential when so marked by the person supplying the information. If 
the FTC determines that information may be disclosed because it is not 
protected by Section 6(f), it must notify the submitter of the 
information that the Commission intends to disclose the information 
(i.e., place it on the public record, pursuant to Commission Rule 4.9) 
not less than 10 days after receipt of the notification. Upon receipt 
of such notification, the submitter may bring an action in United 
States District Court seeking to restrain disclosure, including an 
application for a stay of disclosure. The Commission shall not disclose 
the information until the court has ruled on the application for a 
stay.
    Section 21(d) [15 U.S.C. 57b-2(d)] provides that the provisions of 
21(c) shall not be construed to prohibit disclosures: (A) To Congress 
(with notice to the owner or provider of the information); (B) of the 
results of investigations or studies (without identifying information 
or disclosing trade secrets or any commercial or financial information 
obtained from any person which is privileged or confidential); (C) of 
relevant and material information in FTC adjudicative proceedings or 
judicial proceedings in which the FTC is a party, according to the 
FTC's rules for adjudicative proceedings or by court rules or orders; 
(D) to Federal agencies of disaggregated information for economic, 
statistical, or policymaking purposes only.
    Section 21(f) [15 U.S.C. 57b-2(f)] provides that any document, 
tangible thing, written report or answers to questions, or transcript 
of oral testimony received by the Commission in any investigation, a 
purpose of which is to determine whether any person may have violated 
any provision of the laws administered by the Commission, and which is 
provided pursuant to any compulsory process or which is provided 
voluntarily in place of such compulsory process, shall be exempt from 
disclosure under FOIA.
    Section 10 of the FTC Act [15 U.S.C. 50] provides for criminal 
penalties for the unauthorized disclosure of information obtained by 
the Commission; see the discussion in part B, infra.
16 C.F.R. 3.1, et seq., FTC Rules of Practice for Adjudicative 
Proceedings (applies only to FTC)
    Adjudicative proceedings are formal proceedings conducted under the 
statutes administered by the Commission which are required by statute 
to be determined on the record after an opportunity for an agency 
hearing. An adjudicative proceeding is commenced when an affirmative 
vote is taken by the Commission to issue a complaint. The rules provide 
for the respondent to answer the complaint within a specified time, for 
discovery, and for a hearing held before an Administrative Law Judge 
(ALJ) for the purpose of receiving evidence relevant and material to 
the Commission's complaint and the respondent's answer. The hearings 
are open to the public, except to the extent that an in camera order is 
entered by the ALJ or the Commission. See Rule 3.41(a).
    Rule 3.45 [16 C.F.R. 3.45] provides for in camera treatment of 
documents and testimony which keeps such documents and testimony 
confidential and not part of the public record of the hearing. Rule 
3.45(b) provides that the ALJ may order documents, testimony, or 
portions thereof offered into evidence, whether admitted or rejected, 
to be placed in camera upon a finding that their public disclosure will 
likely result in a clearly defined, serious injury to the person, 
partnership or corporation requesting their in camera treatment; only 
respondents, their counsel, authorized Commission personnel, and court 
personnel concerned with judicial review shall have access thereto. The 
order shall provide the date on which in camera treatment will expire.
16 C.F.R. 4.10(g), et seq., FTC Rules of Practice for Adjudicative 
Proceedings (applies only to FTC)
    Rule 4.10(g) provides that the following categories of materials 
obtained by the FTC may be disclosed in FTC administrative or court 
proceedings subject to FTC or court protective or in camera orders as 
appropriate: (1) Material obtained through compulsory process or 
voluntarily in lieu thereof, and protected by sections 21(b) and (f) of 
the FTC Act; (2) material designated by the submitter as confidential, 
and protected by section 21(c) of the FTC Act; or, (3) material that is 
confidential commercial or financial information protected by section 
6(f) of the FTC Act. Prior to disclosure of such material in a 
proceeding, the submitter will be afforded an opportunity to seek a 
protective or in camera order. All other material obtained by the FTC 
may be disclosed in FTC administrative or court proceedings at the 
FTC's discretion except where prohibited by law.
Rule 26(c) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure
    This rule provides that a court may grant, in civil litigation in 
federal court, a protective order concerning discovery, including, 
inter alia, that certain matters not be inquired into, or that the 
scope of discovery be limited to certain matters; and that a trade 
secret or other confidential research, development, or commercial 
information not be disclosed or be disclosed only in a certain way.
    A court may impose sanctions for violations of protective orders 
entered pursuant to this rule.

[[Page 24184]]

Rule 6 of the Federal Rules of Criminal Procedure
    This rule governs the conduct of grand jury proceedings. Subsection 
(e) of this rule prohibits, without the permission of a court, public 
disclosure of matters occurring before the grand jury by any person 
having knowledge of such proceedings, except witnesses, who are free to 
disclose their testimony.
    Knowing violations of this rule are punishable as a contempt of 
court.
5 U.S.C. 552, Freedom of Information Act
    FOIA is a statute that provides that any person has a right of 
access to federal agency records, except to the extent that FOIA 
authorizes the agencies to withhold certain records from disclosure. Of 
the categories of records which may be withheld under FOIA, those of 
primary relevance to the antitrust enforcement agencies are:
    Trade secrets and commercial or financial information, obtained 
from a person, that is privileged or confidential (subsection 
552(b)(4));
    Records or information compiled for law enforcement purposes to the 
extent that disclosure thereof could reasonably be expected, inter 
alia, to interfere with enforcement proceedings or to disclose the 
identity of a confidential source (subsection 552(b)(7)(A) and (D));
    Intra-agency and inter-agency memoranda or letters that would be 
routinely privileged in civil discovery, e.g., attorney work-product or 
attorney-client information (subsection 552(b)(5));
    National defense or foreign policy information that is properly 
classified (subsection 552(b)(1));
    Information that may be withheld on the basis of other specific 
statutory authority (subsection 552(b)(3)).
    FOIA does not authorize withholding information from Congress.
28 C.F.R. 16.7, Procedure for Processing Requests for Disclosure of 
Information Subject to the Business Information Exemption to FOIA 
(applies only to DOJ)
    This regulation specifies the procedures DOJ must follow before it 
can disclose, in response to a request under FOIA, any materials that 
may qualify for exemption from disclosure as confidential business 
information. The section requires that before any such disclosure can 
be made, DOJ provide notice to submitters of information that either: 
(i) has been designated as confidential business information by the 
submitter; or (ii) DOJ has reason to believe may constitute 
confidential business information. This notice is intended to enable 
the submitter to object to the planned disclosure and, if the submitter 
chooses, seek a protective order. DOJ is not required to provide notice 
to any submitter whose information DOJ has determined not to disclose.
    This regulation does not provide specific enforcement mechanisms 
for the confidentiality provision, or penalties for its breach. Other 
laws and regulations, however, prohibit the improper use of non-public 
information. See discussion in part B, infra.
5 U.S.C. 552a, Privacy Act
    The Privacy Act permits federal agencies to maintain ``systems of 
records,'' i.e., records that are retrievable by the name, social 
security number or other personal identifier of an individual U.S. 
citizen (or permanent resident alien), subject to requirements that the 
agencies disclose the existence of such records systems and that 
individuals have access to records concerning themselves. The Privacy 
Act, however, sets forth several exceptions to this general 
restriction, including one that permits, under specified circumstances, 
agencies to exempt investigatory material compiled for law enforcement 
purposes from such ``systems of records'' and, thereby, to deny access 
to such material.

B. Laws and Procedures Providing Sanctions for Breaches of the 
Confidentiality Laws and Procedures

18 U.S.C. 1905, Trade Secrets Act
    This statute provides criminal penalties for unauthorized 
disclosure of trade secrets or confidential business information by any 
government employee or agent of DOJ within the meaning of the Antitrust 
Civil Process Act, who comes into possession or gains knowledge of such 
information during the course of his or her employment or official 
duties. Said penalties include a fine of not more than $1,000, one 
year's imprisonment or both, and removal from employment.
18 U.S.C. 641, Theft of Government Property, Records
    This statute provides criminal penalties for the theft, 
embezzlement, knowing conversion, or unauthorized conveyance of any 
record, voucher, money, or ``thing of value'' (which, according to 
judicial interpretation, includes information) possessed by the United 
States Government. Said penalties include a fine or imprisonment of not 
more than 10 years, or both.
18 U.S.C. 1831 et seq., Economic Espionage Act
    This statute provides criminal penalties for theft of trade 
secrets, as that act is defined in the statute. It also provides 
criminal penalties for economic espionage, which the statute, in 
essence, defines as the theft of trade secrets to benefit a foreign 
power. The penalty for individuals convicted of theft of trade secrets 
under the statute includes a fine of not more than $500,000, or 
imprisonment of not more than ten years, or both, and for an 
organization includes a fine of not more than $5 million. The penalty 
for individuals convicted of economic espionage under the statute 
includes a fine of not more than $500,000, or imprisonment of not more 
than 15 years, or both, and for organizations includes a fine of not 
more than $10 million. Penalties also include forfeiture of property 
used in or derived from trade secret theft or economic espionage.
    The statute specifically does not prohibit any otherwise lawful 
activity conducted by a governmental entity of the United States, a 
state, or a political subdivision of a state, nor shall it be construed 
to affect the otherwise lawful disclosure of information by any 
government employee under FOIA. The statute also preserves the 
confidentiality of trade secrets in court proceedings brought 
thereunder.
5 C.F.R. 2635.703, Office of Government Ethics--Standards of Ethical 
Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch
    This section prohibits the improper use of non-public information 
by an Executive Branch employee to further his or her own private 
interest or that of another person. Non-public information is 
information that the employee gains by reason of federal employment and 
that he or she knows or reasonably should know has not been made 
available to the general public. Section 2635.106 provides that any 
violation may be cause for appropriate corrective or disciplinary 
action pursuant to Government wide regulations or agency procedures, 
which action may be in addition to any action or penalty prescribed by 
law. These sections have been incorporated by reference in the FTC's 
Rules. See 16 C.F.R. 5.1 et seq.
15 U.S.C. 50 (Federal Trade Commission Act) and 16 C.F.R. 4.10(c) 
(applies only to FTC)
    This section of the FTC Act (and the above-referenced Rule) 
provides that any officer or employee of the

[[Page 24185]]

Commission who shall make public any information obtained by the 
Commission without its authority, unless directed by a court, shall be 
deemed guilty of a misdemeanor, and, upon conviction thereof, shall be 
punished by a fine not exceeding $5,000, or by imprisonment not 
exceeding one year, or by fine and imprisonment, in the discretion of 
the court.

II. Australia

A. Confidentiality Laws and Procedures

The Trade Practices Act 1974
    Section 89 outlines the procedure for seeking an authorisation from 
the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (as used in this 
Part II, Commission) in relation to certain anti-competitive conduct, 
and in doing so it outlines the circumstances in which confidentiality 
may be claimed in relation to information so placed before the 
Commission and thus excluded from the public register of applications 
for authorisation. If the information contains particulars of a secret 
formula or process, cash consideration offered for shares or assets, or 
the current costs of manufacturing, producing or marketing goods or 
services, then it will be excluded from the public register. Further, 
if the information relates to anything else the Commission in its 
discretion considers to be confidential, it may exclude the information 
from the public register.
    Where the Commission refuses a request to exclude such information 
from the public register on the basis of its confidential nature, the 
person who submitted the information may withdraw it, in which case 
that submission will not form part of the application for 
authorisation.
    Section 95 requires that the Commission keep a public register of 
notifications, particularly in relation to conduct which amounts to 
exclusive dealing. (Once notification is lodged, the corporation is 
permitted to engage in such conduct until otherwise notified by the 
Commission.) The section outlines the circumstances in which 
confidentiality may be claimed in relation to information so placed 
before the Commission and thus excluded from the public register of 
notification. If the information contains particulars of a secret 
formula or process, cash consideration offered for shares or assets, or 
the current costs of manufacturing, producing or marketing goods or 
services, then it will be excluded from the public register. Further, 
if the information relates to anything else the Commission in its 
discretion considers to be confidential, it may exclude the information 
from the public register.
    Where the Commission refuses a request to exclude such information 
from the public register on the basis of its confidential nature, the 
person who submitted the information may withdraw it, in which case 
that submission will not form part of the notification.
    The procedures for requesting that a document be excluded from the 
public register on the basis of its confidential nature under sections 
89(5) and 95(2) can be found in regulation 24(1) of the Trade Practices 
Regulations.
    Section 106 of the Trade Practices Act 1974 grants the Australian 
Competition Tribunal, where it is satisfied that it is desirable to do 
so by reason of the confidential nature of any evidence or matter or 
for any other reason, the power to prohibit or restrict the publication 
of evidence given before it, whether in public or private, or of 
matters contained in documents filed or lodged with the Registrar, 
received in evidence by the Tribunal or placed in the records of the 
Tribunal.
    Section 155AA of the Act provides that Commission officials must 
not disclose any protected Part IV information to any person except as 
part of the official's functions as a Commission official or when he/
she is required by law to disclose the information. ``Protected Part IV 
information'' is defined as information relating to a matter under Part 
IV and which has been obtained by the Commission under section 155. 
Section 155 enables the Commission to require a person to answer 
questions, provide information or produce documents, if the Commission, 
the Chairperson or Deputy Chairperson has reason to believe that a 
person is capable of furnishing information relating to a matter that 
may constitute a contravention of the Trade Practices Act.
    Section 157 of the Act, amongst other things, provides that: (a) 
where a corporation makes an application for authorization; or (b) 
where the Commission has instituted proceedings or made an application 
for an order against a corporation or other person, the Commission 
shall provide, at the request of the corporation or other person, a 
copy of every document furnished to or obtained by the Commission in 
connexion with the matter that tends to establish the case of the 
corporation or other person, other than documents obtained from the 
corporation or other person or prepared by an officer or professional 
adviser of the Commission. However, subsections (2) and (3) provide 
that, when the Commission declines to comply with such a request, a 
Court that is asked to order the Commission to comply may refuse to do 
so ``if the Court considers it inappropriate to make the order by 
reason that the disclosure of the contents of the document or part of 
the document would prejudice any person or for any other reason.''
The Freedom of Information Act of 1982
    The Freedom of Information Act 1982 gives members of the public 
rights of access to official documents of Commonwealth Government 
Ministers and agencies, limited only by exceptions and exemptions 
necessary for the protection of the essential public interests and the 
private and business affairs of persons in respect of whom information 
is collected and held by agencies. Of the categories of documents that 
are exempt from disclosure under FOI, those of relevance to antitrust 
authorities are:
    Section 33(1) operates to exempt documents, the disclosure of which 
would or could be reasonably expected to cause damage to the security, 
defence or international relations of the Commonwealth or would divulge 
any information or matter communicated in confidence by or on behalf of 
a foreign government, an authority of a foreign government or an 
international organisation.
    Section 36 operates to exempt documents where disclosure would 
disclose opinion, advice or recommendation, or consultation or 
deliberation relating to the deliberative processes involved in the 
functions of the Commission, and such disclosure would be contrary to 
the public interest.
    Section 37 exempts documents if disclosure would, or could 
reasonably be expected to, prejudice the conduct of an investigation, 
or the enforcement or proper administration of the law. Documents are 
also exempt if their disclosure under this Act would, or could 
reasonably be expected to, endanger the life or physical safety of any 
person.
    Section 40(1)(d) exempts documents where disclosure would, or could 
reasonably be expected to, have a substantial adverse effect on the 
proper and efficient conduct of the operations of the Commission.
    Section 43(1)(a) exempts documents containing trade secrets.
    Section 43(1)(b) exempts documents containing information having a 
commercial value that would, or could reasonably be expected to, be 
destroyed

[[Page 24186]]

or diminished if the information were disclosed.
    Section 43(1)(c)(i) exempts documents where disclosure could be 
reasonably expected to unreasonably adversely affect a company in 
respect of its business affairs.
    Section 43(1)(c)(ii) exempts documents where there is a reasonable 
expectation that disclosure would prejudice future supply of 
information to the Commission.
    Section 45 exempts documents the disclosure of which would 
constitute a breach of confidence. This exemption relates to 
information communicated to the Commission in a relationship of 
confidence as indicated on its face or in circumstances imparting an 
obligation of confidentiality.
The Federal Court Act and the Federal Court Rules
    Pursuant to Section 23 of the Federal Court Act and Order 15 of the 
Federal Court Rules, courts may, in proceedings before them, issue 
orders that information may not be disclosed or may be disclosed only 
in a certain way. In addition, Order 15 of the Federal Court Rules 
empowers persons seeking to avoid the production of documents subject 
to discovery, to rely on the claim that they are privileged from 
production, e.g. the documents are subject to legal professional 
privilege, or to Crown privilege. (Order 15(17) preserves the right of 
parties to rely on any rule of law which authorises or requires the 
withholding of any document on the grounds that its disclosure would be 
harmful to the public interest.)
The Privacy Act 1988
    The Privacy Act 1988 establishes a scheme to govern the collection, 
storage, security, access, use and disclosure of personal information 
by Commonwealth agencies through a set of rules called Information 
Privacy Principles. This scheme is subject to prescribed exceptions 
which limit an agency's use or disclosure of personal information 
(Information Privacy Principles 10 and 11).
The Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975
    Section 36 of the Administrative Appeals Tribunal Act 1975 provides 
that, in proceedings before it, the Attorney General may certify that 
disclosure of a document would be contrary to the public interest, and 
the Tribunal must do everything to ensure that the information in the 
document is not disclosed other than to a member of the Tribunal.
The Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) Act 1977
    Under section 13 of the Administrative Decisions (Judicial Review) 
Act 1977 an application may be made to the Commission for a statement 
in respect of a decision setting forth, inter alia, the reasons for the 
decision, the findings on material questions of fact, and a reference 
to the evidence on which the findings were based. Section 13A sets out 
information not required to be disclosed in response to such an 
application, including, information as to a person's business affairs 
which is supplied in confidence, or if published, would reveal a trade 
secret.
    Under section 14, the Attorney General can certify that the 
disclosure of information would be contrary to the public interest.
The Public Service Regulations
    Regulation 35 of the Public Service Regulations prohibits an 
officer from disclosing information obtained in the course of official 
duties unless authorised to do so.
The Evidence Act 1995
    Section 130 of the Evidence Act 1995 provides that a court (whether 
or not on the application of a person) may direct that a document 
relating to matters of state not be adduced as evidence on the grounds 
of public interest in preserving secrecy or confidentiality. 
Information will be taken to relate to matters of state if adducing it 
as evidence would, inter alia, prejudice the prevention, investigation 
or prosecution of an offence; prejudice the prevention or investigation 
of, or the conduct of proceedings for recovery of civil penalties 
brought with respect to, other contraventions of the law; or disclose 
the identity or existence of a confidential source of information 
relating to the enforcement or administration of the law.
    Section 131 provides (subject to certain exceptions) that evidence 
is not to be adduced of communications made or documents prepared in 
the context of attempts to negotiate the settlement of a dispute.
The Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987
    Section 43B of the Mutual Assistance in Criminal Matters Act 1987 
outlines restrictions on use of information sent to Australia in 
response to a request made by the Attorney General under the Act in 
relation to a criminal matter. It provides that such material is not 
used or disclosed intentionally for any purpose other than that for 
which it was requested unless the Attorney General has approved 
otherwise.
    The restriction on unauthorised use of the material is extended to 
inadmissibility in evidence in any proceedings other than those for 
which it was obtained without the Attorney General's approval. In 
addition, any information, document, article or thing which has itself 
been obtained directly or indirectly from a person as a result of 
unapproved use of the material received from the other country is also 
inadmissible in evidence in any proceedings other than those for which 
it was requested (or used for the purposes of any other investigation) 
without the Attorney General's approval.
    Section 43B(4) provides a penalty of two years imprisonment for 
contravention of subsection (1).
    Section 43C provides a penalty of two years imprisonment for 
intentional disclosure of the contents of a request for assistance, of 
the fact that a request has been made or of the fact that assistance 
has been granted or refused where the person has such knowledge as a 
result of his or her employment, unless such disclosure is necessary in 
the performance of his or her duties or the Attorney General has 
authorised such disclosure.

B. Laws and Procedures Providing Sanctions for Breaches of the 
Confidentiality Laws and Procedures

The Crimes Act 1914
    Section 70 of the Crimes Act 1914 provides a penalty of two years 
imprisonment for unauthorised disclosure by a Commonwealth officer of 
information which the officer has a duty not to disclose.
The Privacy Act 1988
    Under section 93 of the Privacy Act 1988, a confider may recover 
damages from a confidant in respect of a breach of confidence with 
respect to personal information.
The Freedom of Information Act 1982
    Section 59 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 provides that 
where an agency makes a decision that documents relating to the 
business, commercial or financial affairs of a company are not exempt 
documents under section 43, the company may apply to the Administrative 
Appeals Tribunal for a review of that decision.
    Section 57 of the Freedom of Information Act 1982 provides that a 
person may complain to the Ombudsman concerning any action taken by an 
agency in the exercise of its

[[Page 24187]]

powers and the performance of its functions under the Act. The 
Ombudsman cannot overturn the decision of an agency, although 
recommendations can be made to that agency or the responsible minister.

[FR Doc. 99-11235 Filed 5-4-99; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4410-11-P