DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY – A COMPETITION LAW’S PERSPECTIVE
Sarah Legner
Pages: 61-69
Published: 8 Oct 2022
Views: 961
Downloads: 119
Abstract: New market players and novel forms of vertical restraints of competition have emerged in the digital economy. With the rise of intermediary platforms, the distribution of functions and power structures in sales have shifted. A clear differentiation between horizontal and vertical restraints has become more difficult. Further, novel forms of vertical restraints of competition, including restrictions on online selling and price parity clauses, have appeared. This paper presents the challenges these developments pose for the evaluation of distribution agreements under European competition law and explains their economic background. It assesses the solutions the European legislator provides in the recently adopted Vertical Block Exemption Regulation from June 2022.
Keywords: distribution agreements, cartel prohibition, digital economy, e-commerce, intermediation services, restrictions on online selling, price parity clause
Cite this article: Sarah Legner. DISTRIBUTION AGREEMENTS IN THE DIGITAL ECONOMY – A COMPETITION LAW’S PERSPECTIVE. Journal of International Scientific Publications: Economy & Business 16, 61-69 (2022). https://www.scientific-publications.net/en/article/1002419/
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