The term anti-trust offense specifically refers to an offense against antitrust laws. These laws, in the United States, ensure free trading and competition between businesses. There are many types of abuse of these laws that is possible, such as abusive behavior by a company that somehow leads to the dominance of that player. This may include predatory pricing of products or goods, the refusal to deal, price gouging or tying. Anti-trust offenses are often charges brought against businesses. In addition, these laws limit the process of mergers and acquisitions of large corporations and in some cases joint ventures. Under the United States laws, anti-trust laws that are broken may incur criminal charges. Any firm that is in some way being anti-competitive may face these charges.