IIC, Inc. has performed numerous analyses regarding the structure, behavior, and organization of specific industries.
We have conducted such comprehensive studies on industries related to graphite electrodes, window shades, agricultural products, food additives, chemicals, styrofoam cups and paper napkins, laminated tubes, and plastics. Relying on our comprehensive knowledge and understanding of industrial organization theory and our extensive research network, we are able to provide our clients with detailed reports that encompass all aspects of the particular industry. Each study involves an in-depth explanation of the market structure, including competitors, existence of barriers to entry, market shares, relevant markets, geographic diversity, and pricing behavior. We are able to draw conclusions regarding possible collusion among major industry participants, the degree to which price-fixing may or may not be present, and the financial performance of various competitors in the marketplace.

IIC, Inc. has designed and used surveys to collect information and to analyze the market for various products.
For example, we recently developed a methodology and designed survey tools to collect information on the prices for Intel/Windows-compatible computers in several markets in New England. IIC, Inc. first defined the configuration of several typical desktop and laptop computers. We then conducted an extensive telephone and in-person survey of retailers and systems integrators in six different market areas within this area. Additionally, we collected data from telephone calls, on-site visits, and through Internet web sites regarding the price of Windows 98 software and upgrades. The results of the survey were used to support the written report of an economic expert who provided an affidavit as part of a class-action lawsuit regarding pricing practices and applicability of common proof to class participants.

IIC, Inc. applies its antitrust expertise to assist clients who have been accused of antitrust violations, including monopolization, price-fixing, and allocation of markets.
Our thorough understanding of the economic theories of antitrust has benefited our clients, enabling them to demonstrate when a claim of market domination was without merit. One such instance involved our analysis of claims of monopolization of the market for waste transportation and disposal. We were asked to evaluate claims that a particular waste company had monopolized a regional market for trash transportation and disposal. By defining the relevant market according to sound economic principles, we demonstrated that the defendant was constrained in its pricing behavior by several other firms and that it had little or no market power. We were able to assist our client to successfully dispose of its case via summary judgment.

IIC, Inc. has acquired extensive knowledge about the crude oil industry.
For an agency of the federal government charged with managing our mineral resources, IIC, Inc. wrote a detailed report updating the agency on how crude oil is marketed in the United States. We showed that significant changes had occurred in the last fifteen years, including the manner in which crude oil is bought and sold, how oil is priced at the wellhead today versus fifteen years ago, and how spot and futures prices have facilitated the marketing and pricing of crude oil. We demonstrated that the regulations governing the collection of royalties on such resources was outdated and would not ensure that the government received full value for the use of its resources. This work was used in part to justify a change in the rules for collecting royalties, and to assist the agency in considering alternative programs for maximizing the value of its resources. The agency ultimately implemented virtually all of our proposals.

Policymakers at the federal and state government levels have relied on IIC, Inc.'s expertise in various areas including energy, antitrust, and industry analysis to proscribe new policy and to evaluate existing policy.
Most recently, IIC, Inc. has lent its expertise to a congressional subcommittee investigating energy pricing issues of the past two years to help determine whether structural or other changes might be required in the industry. We provided the committee with an understanding of the relevant industry, ascertained the type of data and documentary needs required to complete the investigation, and evaluated the information as it was provided to the committee. IIC, Inc. has also helped evaluate the potential impact of various possible new policy approaches on industry behavior.