Reviewing vertical restraints in Europe

This book presents a comprehensive analysis of the 2010 reform of the rules applicable to vertical restraints following the entry into force of Regulation No. 330/2010. The book consists of four parts. The first part analyses the reform from a legal and economic perspective with a special focus on the new subjects covered by the new guidelines on vertical restraints, such as, in particular, internet commerce. The second part focuses on three key issues of great practical significance: the notion of agreement in a vertical context, the concept of agency selective/exclusive distribution and franchising as well as parallel trade after the GSK Spain judgments. The third part provides an overview of vertical restraints in two specific markets, namely the energy and automobile markets. Finally, the fourth part discusses the state of national enforcement with respect to vertical restraint in selected Member States, i.e. Spain, Germany, Poland and the Netherlands.