EU Competition Law

The main objective of the course is to provide a detailed understanding of the EU competition rules by considering the underlying theory, the structure of the provisions themselves and not least their application in practice. The course will look at the main areas of competition practice and provide students with a practical framework for understanding and applying the competition rules. Reading and class discussion will also focus on pending developments in competition law and the connections to related practice areas such as intellectual property.

The course will cover the following areas:

• Competition policy and the economic foundations. An introduction to the theory behind the law and the practices it encompasses.
• Market definition. The analytical tools required for this important and fundamental topic.
• Vertical Agreements. A detailed look at the block exemption and the Commission’s Guidelines.
• Horizontal Agreements. The block exemptions and the Commission’s Guidelines are used as a starting point for a review of permissible forms of cooperation.
• Cartels.
• Abuse of a Dominant Position.
• Mergers and Joint Ventures. The application of the merger regulation and the Commission’s assessment.
• Competition law and intellectual property rights.