The Empirical Effects of Minimum Resale Price Maintenance

This study is the first to estimate the empirical effects of minimum resale price maintenance (RPM) across a broad variety of products. We analyze conflicting theories using an exogenous state-level law change resulting from the 2007 Leegin Supreme Court decision. In states where RPM contracts are treated under the more relaxed rule-of-reason standard, prices increased. We estimate the welfare impact and find that, in aggregate, consumers are worse off in the rule-of-reason states. Though welfare decreased and prices increased, we find little support for the broad application of any particular theory