Competition law seeks to keep markets competitive for the ultimate benefit of both customers and consumers, while providing for fair prices, efficiency and more choice. The seminar covers current issues that are debated in competition law, such as

• the Digital Markets Act and its relationship with competition law
• the new Regulatory Tool in the Digital Services Act
• the overhaul of the Market Definition Notice
• the review of the Vertical Agreements Block Exemption Regulation
• the possible reform of EU merger control
• the use of interim measures in competition proceedings (Broadcom)
• the U.S. House Judiciary Committee Report on Big Tech
• the German competition law reform
• the Austrian competition law reform
• and more.

After completing this course, students are able to discuss the main challenges that various markets pose for competition law and how these can be addressed. In particular, they are able to

• independently apply the methodology of advanced legal analysis to issues of competition law,
• present the results in a structured and target group-oriented way, and
• analyse current competition law issues with practical relevance and discuss them with experts and with their peers.

Students are expected to attend all sessions of the seminar. They may miss a total of 2 hours overall.

During the first session, students must be present. Students that have not notified the lecturers of their absence during the first session are de-registered from the seminar.

The students write a seminar paper (max 7,000 words, incl. footnotes). They then present their main research findings to the class, leading to a group discussion on the topics of the seminar papers as well as related topics.

• Active participation in class (10%)
• Presentatin of the seminar paper (topics are allocated during the first session) (20%)
• written seminar paper, deadline 25 May 2021 (70%)

Grading Scale

87-100 points              Excellent (Sehr gut)

74-86.5 points             Good (Gut)

62-73.5 points             Satisfactory (Befriedigend)

50.5-61.5 points          Sufficient (Genügend)

0-50 points                  Fail (Nicht genügend)

Class participation, seminar paper and presentation

Students are asked to actively participate in the seminar by

(1) participating in classroom discussions [1 point per input, up to 10 points]

(2) writing a seminar paper [up to 70 points]. The topics for seminar papers will be allocated during the first class

(3) preparing a presentation of the seminar paper (20 mins); presentations should include a visual aide (ppt or handout) and incite a discussion within the group [up to 20 points in total].

A template will be provided for the seminar paper, which needs to be uploaded on MyLearn by 25 May 2021 at 23:59.

The seminar is held in English. Good knowledge of the English language is required to actively participate in the class. It is recommended that students have some basic knowledge of competition law.

Registration for the seminar follows the rules of the curriculum. Places are allocated on a “first-come, first-served” basis. If you are registered for this course but can no longer participate, please de-register through LPIS during the registration period so other students can take your place.