Gore In An Anti-Trust Investigation

The Federal Trade Commission and European Commission are investigating complaints against WL Gore & Asso. over alleged anti-trust violations concerning use of waterproof Gore-Tex fabric in apparel. Columbia Sportswear Co filed a complaint that WL Gore's licenses restricted manufacturers -- including Addidas, Nike, Timberland, LL Bean, Patagonia, Rockport, and Bass Pro -- to use only Gore-Tex in their products. WL Gore denied any wrongdoing, but according to the Wall Street Journal, at least one outdoor apparel and gear retailer, Recreational Equipment Inc., said it supported the FTC investigation.