Can you have a signature on a MAP Policy?

This is a complex question.  Having a signature on a MAP policy is not illegal, but it is also not a a good idea.

First off if you have a signature just to confirm receipt of a MAP Policy, there is probably no issue.

If the signature is on the MAP policy and implies an agreement to follow the MAP Policy, it is not unlawful, but the status of the policy is no longer unilateral.  It is now a MAP agreement.   And that is very different and we do not recommend it.

In the U.S., unilateral policies are not subject to antitrust laws against price fixing, but MAP agreements are covered by them and judged under the antitrust standard known as the “rule of reason.”  The net effect of creating a MAP agreement, as opposed to a unilateral policy is the loss of two legal defenses.

In the past, manufacturers regularly wanted MAP acknowledgements, but, for many years, reputable law firms have been discouraging their use to avoid the risk of compromising unilateral status and the administrative hassle of getting every reseller to confirm.  In fact, of the hundreds of Policies we’ve seen almost no one uses Policy acknowledgements or confirmations any more.

For more detailed information please reach out.