### Question
How is the "antitrust investigation" defined?


### Answer
The term **antitrust investigation** is defined in *15 U.S.C. § 1311* as follows -

> any inquiry conducted by any antitrust investigator for the purpose of ascertaining whether any person is or has been engaged in any antitrust violation or in any activities in preparation for a merger, acquisition, joint venture, or similar transaction, which, if consummated, may result in an antitrust violation

#### Citation:
  - *15 U.S.C. § 1311*
  - Heading: **CHAPTER 34-ANTITRUST CIVIL PROCESS**

