Uniform Commercial Code (UCC): Primary federal law governing sales and commercial transactions, especially Article 2 on Sales which is crucial for distribution agreements
Sherman Antitrust Act: Federal antitrust law prohibiting monopolistic business practices and anticompetitive agreements
Clayton Act: Supplements the Sherman Act by prohibiting specific anticompetitive practices and protecting against mergers that may substantially lessen competition
Robinson-Patman Act: Federal law prohibiting price discrimination between different purchasers of the same product
Federal Trade Commission Act: Prohibits unfair methods of competition and deceptive practices affecting commerce
Copyright Act: Federal law protecting original works of authorship, relevant if intellectual property is involved in distribution
Trademark Laws: Federal and state laws protecting brands and marks, crucial when distributing branded products
State UCC Variations: State-specific adaptations of the Uniform Commercial Code that may affect distribution agreements
State Contract Laws: State-specific regulations governing contract formation, enforcement, and remedies
State Licensing Requirements: State-specific permits and licenses needed for distribution operations
State Consumer Protection Laws: State-specific regulations protecting consumer rights and interests
State Franchise Laws: State regulations that may apply if the distribution arrangement could be construed as a franchise relationship
FTC Regulations: Federal Trade Commission rules governing fair business practices and consumer protection
Industry-Specific Regulations: Regulations specific to the product category being distributed (e.g., electronics, food, pharmaceuticals)
Import/Export Regulations: Federal regulations governing international trade if distribution involves cross-border transactions
Consumer Safety Regulations: Federal and state laws ensuring product safety and consumer protection
FDA Regulations: Food and Drug Administration rules applicable to food, drugs, medical devices, and cosmetics distribution
Common Law Contract Principles: Legal principles developed through court decisions regarding contract formation, enforcement, and remedies
Good Faith and Fair Dealing: Common law principle requiring parties to act honestly and fairly in contract performance
Warranty Laws: Federal and state laws governing express and implied warranties in product distribution
