Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1, Per Se Violation Tying Agreement — Defense of Justification The Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 deals with the defense of justification in cases involving per se violation tying agreements. Tying agreements are arrangements where the sale or lease of one product or service is conditioned upon the purchase or lease of a second product or service. Such practices can sometimes be deemed illegal under antitrust laws. The instruction focuses on explaining the defense of justification, which may be raised by defendants accused of per se violation tying agreements. It provides important information to jurors regarding factors that can potentially justify such agreements under certain circumstances. The instruction outlines various relevant aspects and offers guidance to the jury to assess the justifiably of a tying arrangement. It emphasizes that the defendant must present evidence demonstrating that there were legitimate, pro competitive, or efficiency-based reasons for the tying agreement. If adequately proved, this justification can be considered as a defense against accusations of an illegal per se violation. Different types of Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1, Per Se Violation Tying Agreement — Defense of Justification may include: 1. Pro competitive Reasons: This defense asserts that the tying agreement served legitimate business purposes that enhanced competition, increased efficiency, or benefited consumers in some way. Examples include offering discounts on bundled products or maintaining compatibility between products. 2. Economies of Scale or Scope: This defense argues that the tying arrangement allowed the defendant to achieve higher economies of scale or scope. It may highlight cost-saving benefits or the ability to provide better quality products or services through the tied arrangement. 3. Technological Efficiency: This defense asserts that the tying agreement was necessary for technological reasons, such as ensuring compatibility, security, or interoperability between products or services. 4. Business Practicality: This defense suggests that the tying arrangement was a reasonable and practical method of conducting business, considering factors like market conditions, distribution methods, or standard industry practices. 5. Consumer Benefit: This defense argues that the tying agreement ultimately benefited consumers by providing them with more options, lower prices, or improved quality. It is important to note that the availability of these defenses and their application may vary depending on the specific legal context, facts of the case, and applicable laws. The Wake North Carolina Jury Instruction — 3.3.2 Section 1 aims to guide the jury in assessing the justification provided by the defendant and determining whether the tying agreement constitutes a per se violation or is potentially justified by valid reasons.