Suture Express was a new upstart specializing in the medical supply network by selling only sutures. Owens & Minor was a medical supply distributor that carried all types of medical supplies, including sutures. Owens & Minor began bundling provisions that required its customers to pay a premium for all medical products unless the customer agreed to purchase its sutures. Suture Express brought suit alleging a loss to Owens & Minor through anticompetitive practices. Is this a tying situation that violates federal antitrust laws? Why or why not?

Suture Express was a new upstart specializing in the medical supply network by selling only sutures. Owens & Minor was a medical supply distributor that carried all types of medical supplies, including sutures. Owens & Minor began bundling provisions that required its customers to pay a premium for all medical products unless the customer agreed to purchase its sutures. Suture Express brought suit alleging a loss to Owens & Minor through anticompetitive practices. Is this a tying situation that violates federal antitrust laws? Why or why not?