Outbound investments into AI to be screened in line with updated matchday calendar

OK, the title was only meant to catch your attention. And to foreshadow three – albeit separate – topics of this post: AI and antitrust, a screening regime for outbound investments, and a hefty antitrust sports battle. New developments on all of these topics warrant attention. Rise of the machines: A global approach to AI … Continue reading Outbound investments into AI to be screened in line with updated matchday calendar →

Protecting competition in a changing world? Here you go:

Under the headline "Protecting competition in a changing world", the European Commission has examined the development of competition over the last 25 years. The report is meant to provide a basis for the further development of competition law and to contribute insights for enforcers and policymakers. Here are some key takeaways and an outlook. The … Continue reading Protecting competition in a changing world? Here you go: →

Lessons to learn from airline mergers

With the summer holidays having officially taken off, one of the peak business times of many industries has started as well. One of these industries is not only the centre of attention for many travellers, but also of many regulators: the airline industry. So, time for a ´seasonal´ topic – recent airline merger cases and … Continue reading Lessons to learn from airline mergers →

There are still fines for resale price maintenance?!

The European Football Championship is in full swing. The whole of Europe is following the exciting matches – either at public viewings or in front of the TV at home. Euphoria is spreading across the continent. The mood could hardly be better. Just the right time, the German Federal Cartel Office must have thought, to … Continue reading There are still fines for resale price maintenance?! →

On new paths: Record fine for deleting messages on a mobile phone

When conducting dawn raid trainings, you will already be pleased if participants leave the session remembering one key point: Do not destroy any documents or delete data after the dawn raid has started. Whilst the days of secretaries running to the shredder to destroy incriminating evidence might be over (not only for antitrust reasons), the … Continue reading On new paths: Record fine for deleting messages on a mobile phone →

An exception or the first of many?

This week, the German Federal Cartel Office (FCO) unconditionally cleared the acquisition of Olink by Thermo Fisher after an in-depth review of the case. While the parties and lawyers involved might be (well-deservedly) popping champagne corks, I would like to use this case to highlight some trends in German merger control (and beyond). What is … Continue reading An exception or the first of many? →

Automakers Unite: German Watchdog Approves Joint Licensing Negotiations

The world of standard essential patents (SEPs) is a hotbed of legal disputes, especially in the automotive industry. The German Federal Cartel Office's recent decision regarding the "Automotive Licensing Negotiation Group" could have widespread implications. This decision marks a turning point, providing collective bargaining power to licensees. However, its global and long-term impact remains uncertain.

Under the magnifying glass: Why telling the truth in merger control is so important

When hearing the word ´fine´ in an antitrust context, one usually thinks of cartels. However, fines can also be imposed when infringing procedural obligations, e.g., in merger control proceedings. While fines for gun jumping are more prominent in merger control (see here), there is also a history of fines for not telling the truth (or … Continue reading Under the magnifying glass: Why telling the truth in merger control is so important →

The Return of the European Champion?

Almost exactly five years ago, following the prohibition of Siemens/Alstom by the European Commission, the French and German economy ministers published a joint paper in which they complained that European merger control rules would prevent the emergence of European champions. However, in their opinion such champions were necessary to compete against American and Chinese companies … Continue reading The Return of the European Champion? →

Polish Competition Authority launches probe into gaming sector

The digital sector has been high on the European Commission's antitrust enforcement agenda recently, as evidenced by the legislative changes undertaken in recent years and expansive enforcement actions. Video games existed long before the regulation of digital companies was even considered. But the motivation of the authorities to cast the net as wide as possible … Continue reading Polish Competition Authority launches probe into gaming sector →