In Defense of Monopoly

Regulation, Winter 2009-2010

4 Pages Posted: 5 Dec 2010

See all articles by Richard B. McKenzie

Richard B. McKenzie

University of California, Irvine - Paul Merage School of Business

Date Written: January 11, 2010

Abstract

Standard economic analysis of monopoly asserts that if prices are above marginal costs, then market power exists and antitrust enforcers should step in to protect consumers. This thinking underlies recent antitrust actions in both the United States and Europe. This article argues that such thinking is flawed; markets with prices near marginal cost experience little innovation or entry by producers, to the detriment of consumers. Instead, markets with prices above marginal costs incentivize entry and finance innovation, to the considerable benefit of consumers.

Suggested Citation

McKenzie, Richard, In Defense of Monopoly (January 11, 2010). Regulation, Winter 2009-2010, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1534726

Richard McKenzie (Contact Author)

University of California, Irvine - Paul Merage School of Business ( email )

Paul Merage School of Business
Irvine, CA California 92697-3125
United States

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