Competition in times of economic turmoil?!

Only recently, we have blogged about cooperations in times of crisis (here). The string of bad news does not seem to end. So, one might ask the question whether it is (finally) time to relax antitrust rules and release companies from the firm grip of antitrust authorities (in which some companies claim to find themselves … Continue reading Competition in times of economic turmoil?!

Joint ventures – an antitrust-free zone in the future?

One question discussed (not only) by antitrust practitioners from time to time is whether and to which extent Art. 101 TFEU applies in the relationship between a joint venture and its parent companies. The European Commission addresses the issue in the Draft Horizontal Guidelines (on which we have already blogged here and here). This post … Continue reading Joint ventures – an antitrust-free zone in the future?

The next change in German competition law is just around the corner

In Germany, the next amendment of the competition law regime is on its way. This week, the Ministry of Economic Affairs and Climate Action (BMWK) presented a draft bill to tighten competition. In this post, we present the envisaged changes and put them in perspective. An agenda becomes reality Back in March, we summarised the … Continue reading The next change in German competition law is just around the corner

One training to learn it all

Normally on this blog, we deal with academic topics and legal issues at the intersection of antitrust law and politics. From time to time, however, we also want to provide an insight into the practical work of antitrust practitioners. This post summarizes some key points which should be considered when conducting antitrust trainings. One training … Continue reading One training to learn it all

Information exchange: What to expect from the new Horizontal Guidelines

We have already blogged about the new Draft Horizontal Guidelines here. Even though the topic of information exchange and its potential effects on competition is not entirely new, the relevant antitrust limits are still highly relevant and much discussed. Although there may still be changes until the final version, the Draft Horizontal Guidelines indicate which … Continue reading Information exchange: What to expect from the new Horizontal Guidelines

Bidding consortia: More guidance to come

As many of our readers might know, the Vertical Block Exemptions and the corresponding Guidelines were just the beginning of a series of new Block Exemptions and Guidelines in Europe. Already in March 2022, the European Commission published its Draft Horizontal Guidelines, which should ultimately become effective as of January 2023. One chapter deals with … Continue reading Bidding consortia: More guidance to come

The Vertical Block Exemption – how we got where we are

On 10 May 2022, the European Commission published its new Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER), which will enter into force in June. Many have published very good summaries on the rules. Some also welcomed the very late changes that were made with regard to information exchange in the context of dual distribution. In this post, … Continue reading The Vertical Block Exemption – how we got where we are

A history of challenging big tech – Part II: CPUs & Rebates

A month ago, we started our new series about the history of challenging big tech with a post on Microsoft’s interoperability and Media Player case. Since we cover the cases in this series by their start date rather than their end date, today we report on a case that has not ended yet but began … Continue reading A history of challenging big tech – Part II: CPUs & Rebates