If a small manufacturer of vacuum cleaners requires the buyer to agree to purchase only that manufacturer's bags as a condition of the sales of its cleaners, under the Sherman Act this is:

A) illegal per se .
B) a tying arrangement, which will be closely scrutinized by the law.
C) a vertical customer restriction.
D) no violation.

Tying Arrangement

A business practice where a seller requires the purchase of a secondary product or service in addition to a primary product or service.

Vacuum Cleaners

Electrical appliances used for cleaning floors and other surfaces by suctioning up dust and dirt.

Sherman Act

A landmark federal statute in the United States antitrust law passed by Congress in 1890 which prohibits monopolistic practices and promotes competition.