The enlargement and modernisation of the EU antitrust regime and the reform of the recent EU technology transfer regulation places companies that are involved in technology licensing in a challenging position. They need to know whether their past and future practices comply with Community Law and, if not, how serious the consequences are.

Antitrust self-assessment of IP licensing arrangements has therefore become both more necessary and more complex. It requires an understanding of the dynamics of the relevant market and a view of the likely competitive impact of the arrangements in question.

Our attorneys have extensive experience in advising on the global antitrust implications of horizontal and vertical commercial agreements between competitors and other forms of cooperation, such as joint ventures, distribution and licensing arrangements, research and development activities and strategic alliances. With our experience in these matters, our practice is ideally suited to advise clients on the recent EU technology transfer regulations providing for the modernization of competition law. In addition, we regularly assist clients with the development of antitrust compliance programs, for example when concluding a cross-licensing agreement.