Compliance with Related Laws and Regulations (the SME transactions Act, the Freelance Act, the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, the Mobile Software Competition Act)

Recently, there has been a series of regulatory and legislative developments not only under the Antimonopoly Act itself, but also under related legislation (e.g. the Act on Preventing Delay in Payment to Small and Medium-Sized Entrusted Business Operators in Relation to Manufacturing Consignment (the SME Transactions Act), the Act on Ensuring Proper Transactions Involving Specified Entrusted Business Operators (the Freelance Act), the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, and the Act on the Promotion of Competition for Specified Smartphones).

The SME Act, the Freelance Act, and the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations require specific preventive measures against violations. The impact of reputational damage to corporate brands caused by violations is increasing each year.

In order to comply with the SME Transactions Act, it is often necessary to carry out large-scale work reforms, ranging from organizing contracts and other documents to the management of online payments. Under the Act against Unjustifiable Premiums and Misleading Representations, particularly in the area of advertising regulations, it is necessary to establish an internal consultation system and ensure that staff with relevant expertise are available so that clients can accurately understand the trends in the decisions made by the Consumer Affairs Agency, which serves as the regulatory authority.

Atsumi & Sakai provides support in a wide range of relevant areas, including the establishment of internal systems and personnel training, by working together with clients on a mid- to long-term basis, in addition to providing legal advice on individual projects.

We also assist with responding to written inquiries conducted as part of enforcement actions in these areas, as well as supporting companies under investigation as suspected violators in their dealings with regulatory authorities.