Legal Definitions - tying

Definition: Tying is a term used in antitrust law to describe an arrangement where a seller agrees to sell a product to a buyer only if the buyer agrees to purchase another product from the seller.

For example, a computer manufacturer may agree to sell a computer to a customer only if the customer agrees to purchase a printer from the same manufacturer. This is known as a tying agreement.

Tying can be harmful to competition because it can limit consumer choice and prevent other companies from entering the market. It is often considered a violation of antitrust laws.