Technology platforms have become ubiquitous. We use them to buy things, to search the web, to receive cloud computing services, to run applications on our smartphones, and to stay connected with our friends and family.

The antitrust world has been deluged with claims against a handful of the largest of these companies – so-called “platform monopolists.” Younger and smaller companies that have built applications to “run on” (i.e., interoperate with) these platforms frequently claim that the platforms discriminate against them, misappropriate their technology and information, exploit them economically, and even employ policies and tactics to exclude them from the market.

In recent years, the smaller companies have explored several legal avenues through which to challenge the financial, political and technological strength of their “hosts,” in an effort to “level the playing field.” After reviewing relevant case law and economic considerations, this program will focus on three of these avenues: private litigation, legislative initiatives in Congress, and invoking the aid of governmental enforcement authorities. Experienced practitioners in each area will analyze and evaluate the successes and failures of each approach.