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vertical agreement

noun

ver·​ti·​cal agreement
ˈvər-ti-kəl-
: an agreement among economic competitors on different levels of production or distribution that affects competition compare horizontal agreement

Note: Unlike horizontal agreements, vertical agreements are not considered illegal per se under antitrust laws, but they must withstand judicial scrutiny to be held valid.

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Cite this Entry

“Vertical agreement.” Merriam-Webster.com Legal Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/legal/vertical%20agreement. Accessed 4 Dec. 2025.

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