Washington Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 is a legal instruction that pertains to per se violation tying agreements in Washington state. This instruction focuses specifically on the defense of justification in such cases. A per se violation tying agreement occurs when a party in a dominant position in one market requires customers to also purchase a product or service from another market in order to obtain the desired product/service. Section 1 of this instruction addresses the defense of justification in relation to such tying agreements. The defense of justification refers to the argument made by the defendant that the tying agreement in question had legitimate business justifications and was not intended to cause anti-competitive harm. This defense aims to prove that the defendant's actions were within the boundaries of fair competition and were not meant to harm consumers or restrict market competition. There may be different types of defense strategies employed in cases involving Section 1 of this instruction, including: 1. Efficiency justifications: The defendant may argue that the tying agreement was designed to improve efficiency and offer cost savings. For example, they may claim that bundling products or services together reduces transaction costs and improves overall consumer experience. 2. Technological justifications: The defense may claim that the tying agreement was necessary due to technological constraints or compatibility issues. They may argue that the products or services being tied together work more effectively as a package and cannot be provided separately. 3. Competitive justifications: The defendant might assert that the tying agreement was a response to legitimate competitive pressures in the market. They may argue that the agreement was necessary to maintain a competitive position against rival firms or to prevent free-riding on the defendant's investments or innovations. 4. Consumer benefit justifications: The defense could argue that the tying agreement was implemented for the benefit of consumers and aligned with consumer preferences. They may claim that the agreement offers greater convenience, value, or choice to consumers, ultimately improving their overall welfare. It is important to note that the effectiveness of the defense of justification in tying agreement cases depends on various factors, including the specific facts and circumstances of each case, the strength of evidence presented, and the interpretation of relevant laws and regulations. In summary, Washington Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1, Per Se Violation Tying Agreement — Defense Of Justification, provides guidance for the defense in cases involving per se violation tying agreements in Washington state. It outlines potential defense strategies that highlight the defendant's legitimate business justifications for the tying agreement.