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Distribution Agreements In The Digital Economy – A Competition Law’S Perspective

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  • Sarah Legner

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.

Suggested Citation

  • Sarah Legner, 2022. "Distribution Agreements In The Digital Economy – A Competition Law’S Perspective," Economy & Business Journal, International Scientific Publications, Bulgaria, vol. 16(1), pages 61-69.
    • Handle: RePEc:isp:journl:v:16:y:2022:i:1:p:61-69
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. Sean Ennis & Marc Ivaldi & Vicente Lagos, 2023. "Price-Parity Clauses for Hotel Room Booking: Empirical Evidence from Regulatory Change," Journal of Law and Economics, University of Chicago Press, vol. 66(2), pages 309-331.
    2. Patrick Rey & Joseph Stiglitz, 1995. "The Role of Exclusive Territories in Producers' Competition," RAND Journal of Economics, The RAND Corporation, vol. 26(3), pages 431-451, Autumn.
    3. Paolo Buccirossi, 2015. "Vertical Restraints On E-Commerce And Selective Distribution," Journal of Competition Law and Economics, Oxford University Press, vol. 11(3), pages 747-773.
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