Does Competition Law Need an Update for Online Markets? - Hot Topics, Trends and Perspectives in Competition Policy

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Does Competition Law Need an Update for Online Markets? - Hot Topics, Trends and Perspectives in Competition Policy

Lexxion - the Legal Publisher Berlin and Brussels

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Date

30 Nov 2017

Address

Stanhope Hotel

Rue du Commerce 9

1000 Brussels

Belgium

Links

Registration

Section

InfoSociety

Competition

Event Location

Brussels

Event Description

The European Competition and Regulatory Law Review (CoRe), the Computer and Communications Industry Association (CCIA) and the Vrije Universiteit Brussel (VUB) are delighted to invite you to our joint conference discussing some of today’s most frequently asked questions: Does competition law enforcement require an update for online markets? How well does enforcement work in Internet markets and is there a need to get better at factoring in the ‘multi-sidedness’ of many online business models?

With respect to e-commerce, it is widely accepted that online markets foster competition allowing consumers to benefit from greater price transparency and wider choice. However, the European Commission’s sector inquiry revealed an increasing amount of vertical restraints in online sales, such as geo-blocking to restrict cross-border trade, price and territorial restrictions as well as so-called ‘platform bans’. The legality of the latter is currently subject to the CJEU’s judicial review in the pending ‘Coty Germany’ case, ultimately raising the question how inclusive Europe’s e-commerce landscape should be.

At the same time, the Commission continues with high-profile investigations into digital companies. Will neutrality, equal treatment and fairness become the new gold standards in Article 102 cases? Where to draw the line between product innovation and market foreclosure? These developments could have far-reaching consequences for vertically integrated and multi-sided business models.

There is certainly no lack of emerging topics hotly debated in the competition community and beyond. Some claim that the widespread use of algorithms requires a rethink of competition rules. Others see potential concerns in the accumulation of data.

During this conference, leading experts from the European Commission, national competition authorities, industry, private practice and academia will discuss these issues with a view to shed light on whether policymakers need to adjust competition policy instruments to address challenges in online markets. Join the debate and register here. Participation is free of charge.

Structure and Topics

During our Competition Law Conference, renowned competition law experts from the European Commission, national competition authorities, industry, private practice and academia will discuss current developments

Panel 1: Enforcing the Rules in Internet Markets - Challenges and Complexities

The panel will address the effectiveness of enforcement in Internet markets and the extent to which established competition law concepts work in multi-sided settings.

Panel 2: The Future of E-Commerce - What Follows from the E-Commerce Sector Inquiry and Relevant Cases?

The panel will discuss the impact of the sector inquiry and whether competition enforcement can lead to a more inclusive e-commerce landscape.

Panel 3: Neutrality, Equal Treatment and Fairness - New ‘Gold Standards’ under Article 102 TFEU?

The panel will discuss where to draw the proper line between product innovation and market foreclosure against the background of high profile investigations like Google Shopping.