Blogs

This sweltering sports summer has given the Netherlands a great deal. Not only unexpected Olympic medals, but also the awareness that a national sports association may play a crucial role in many respects in answering the question whether and, if so, on what conditions sportsmen and women may take part in matches. Read more >

As of 1 July 2016 the maximum fines handed down by the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets (ACM) have risen considerably. This applies to infringements of all laws supervised by ACM. Notably, the maximum fine for infringement of the prohibition of cartels has risen, for both the firms and the individuals involved. Read more >

Franchising holds a special position in competition law. The main competition law aspects of franchise agreements are addressed in this blog. Read more >

New rules now apply in the field of net neutrality. Those rules obligate Internet Service Providers, in principle, to treat all data on the Internet the same. They are based on the European Net Neutrality Regulation, which must be applied as from 30 April 2016. Read more >

During the past year, the European Commission initiated several investigations into abuse of dominance. The activity of the Commission is in stark contrast to the activity of the Netherlands Authority for Consumers and Markets where it concerns enforcement of the ban on abusing a dominant position. Will this change in 2016? Read more >

The Dutch courts have shown again in 2015 that the Netherlands is an attractive jurisdiction for follow-on cases. Not just because the Dutch courts are quick to accept their own jurisdiction, but also because damages have actually been established for the first time. It is expected that this trend will continue in 2016 as well. Read more >

Worldwide, the number of mergers and acquisitions in 2015 broke all records. This had an impact on the number of merger filings received by the competition authorities. It is expected that 2016 will match 2015 in this respect. What is to be expected from the competition authorities in this respect? Read more >