Antitrust watchdog to probe Rakuten over free-shipping policy

Japan's antitrust watchdog will launch an investigation into e-commerce giant Rakuten Inc. after receiving a petition from a group of merchants over the planned free-shipping policy of the company's online shopping mall.According to the petition organized by around 450 Rakuten marketplace merchants that was signed by 4,000 people, the company is abusing its dominant position by forcing them to shoulder the costs of free shipping for all orders exceeding 3,980 yen ($36) starting March 18."Generally speaking, a company in a superior position that causes unjust disadvantage to clients could be…READ FULL ARTICLE