The federal statute, codified in 15 U.S.C. §§ 1 to 7, prohibiting individuals or business entities from entering into contracts, combinations, or conspiracies that restrain interstate or foreign trade. The Sherman Act also prohibits a person or entity from engaging in monopolization or attempting to monopolize any part of interstate commerce by anti-competitive means. It does not prohibit natural monopolies or monopolies created through effective competition. The Sherman Act is enforced by the Department of Justice. Private individuals and state attorneys general on behalf of their state residents may also bring actions for damages.

For more information on the Sherman Act and other antitrust laws, see Practice Note, US Antitrust Laws: Overview.