The enforcement activities of national competition authorities regarding vertical restraints in online sales so far vary considerably from country to country. In January 2017 the European Commission delivered legislative proposals to implement its  Digital Single Market (DSM) strategy, which was adopted in May 2015 and, among others, aims to promote e-commerce. Reinforcing its regulatory agenda, the Commission has launched an e-commerce sector inquiry in parallel, focusing on contractual barriers to cross-border e-commerce in digital content and consumer goods. In its preliminary report from September 2016, the Commission points out the increasing trend on vertical restraints in online sales, such as geo-blocking to restrict cross-border online trade, price and territorial restrictions in distribution agreements, as well as bans on price comparison platforms.

During our Symposium, renowned competition experts from the European Commission, national competition authorities, industry, private practice and academia will discuss current developments and actions taken against restrictions of online sales:

• Morning Session on E-Commerce: Vertical Restraints in Online Sales – Old Wine in New Barrels?
   
• Afternoon Session on Digital Single Market: The Commission’s Regulatory Initiatives to Complement (or Substitute?) Competition Law Enforcement

Interactive panel discussions as well as Q&A sessions leave time for exchange with high-level experts and colleagues from different EU Member States – use the great networking opportunity!