{"id":110550,"date":"2025-08-07T10:21:31","date_gmt":"2025-08-07T10:21:31","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/?post_type=comparative_guide&#038;p=110550"},"modified":"2025-08-14T13:45:20","modified_gmt":"2025-08-14T13:45:20","slug":"spain-competition-litigation","status":"publish","type":"comparative_guide","link":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/chapter\/spain-competition-litigation\/","title":{"rendered":"Spain: Competition Litigation"},"content":{"rendered":"","protected":false},"template":"","class_list":["post-110550","comparative_guide","type-comparative_guide","status-publish","hentry","guides-competition-litigation","jurisdictions-spain"],"acf":[],"appp":{"post_list":{"below_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">R\u0113gula<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/07\/firm-logo_regula.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>"},"post_detail":{"above_title":"<div class=\"guide-author-details\"><span class=\"guide-author\">R\u0113gula<\/span><span class=\"guide-author-logo\"><img src=\"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/1\/2025\/07\/firm-logo_regula.jpg\"\/><\/span><\/div>","below_title":"<span class=\"guide-intro\">This country specific Q&amp;A provides an overview of Competition Litigation laws and regulations applicable in Spain<\/span><div class=\"guide-content\"><div class=\"filter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t<input type=\"text\" placeholder=\"Search questions and answers...\" class=\"filter-container__search-field\">\r\n\t\t\t<\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<ol class=\"custom-counter\">\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What types of conduct and causes of action can be relied upon as the basis of a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>All infringements of EU and Spanish competition law\u202f(including cartels, vertical restraints and abuses of dominance)\u202fcan give rise to damages claims. These actions may be follow\u2011on (based on a prior infringement decision) or stand-alone (requiring the claimant to fully prove the infringement in court).<\/p>\n<p>The primary basis for such claims is extra\u2011contractual liability arising from breaches of imperative norms (articles\u202f1 and\/or\u202f2 of the Competition Act 15\/2007 and\/or articles\u202f101 or\u202f102 TFEU), pursued under the special regime in articles\u202f71-81 of the Competition Act (implementing Directive 2014\/104\/EU, i.e. the Damages Directive) or, alternatively, article\u202f1902 of the Civil Code. Claims may also rely on articles\u202f15(2) and\u202f32(5) of the Unfair Competition Act 3\/1991, which treats participation in an antitrust infringement as unfair competition. Damages claims can be combined with other forms of relief.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is required (e.g. in terms of procedural formalities and standard of pleading) in order to commence a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Actions follow ordinary civil procedure. The statement of claim must set out the facts, legal grounds, quantified amount (or, exceptionally, its estimated basis) and supporting evidence (including infringement decisions and expert reports), with certified translations where required. Since Organic Act\u202f1\/2025, a pre\u2011litigation alternative dispute resolution attempt (e.g. negotiation, mediation or a confidential binding offer) is mandatory.<\/p>\n<p>Claimants may seek targeted disclosure under articles\u202f283\u202fbis\u202f(a)-(k) of the Civil Procedure Act (transposing articles\u202f5-8 of the Damages Directive) either with the claim or pre\u2011action, but must file the claim within 20\u202fdays of final access to the evidence.<\/p>\n<p>For foreign defendants, service of the claim and disclosure orders must comply with the relevant international instruments to ensure valid notification.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What remedies are available to claimants in competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Claimants are entitled to full compensation: actual loss, loss of profit and interest (article\u202f72(2) of the Competition Act and article\u202f17(2) of the Damages Directive).<\/p>\n<p>Non\u2011pecuniary damages are also possible. Claimants may seek specific relief such as orders to cease or prohibit the infringing conduct, along with declaratory orders or nullity claims.<\/p>\n<p>Interim measures under article\u202f727 of the Civil Procedure Act (injunctions, asset freezes or deposits) are available where there is a prima facie case, a risk of irreparable harm and security is provided.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the measure of damages? To what extent is joint and several liability recognised in competition damages claims? Are there any exceptions (e.g. for leniency applicants)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Damages are assessed on a but\u2011for basis. Courts draw on the European Commission and Spanish competition authority\u2019s quantification guides, with the Supreme Court in<em> Sugar Cartel<\/em> (judgment of 7 November 2013, ECLI:ES:TS:2013:5819) stressing that expert reports must rest on sound methodology, reliable data and a reasonable counterfactual. If quantification is too difficult but the claimant has made a genuine effort to prove harm, courts may estimate damages on a \u2018broad axe\u2019 basis under article\u202f76 of the Competition Act.<\/p>\n<p>Article\u202f73 of the Competition Act codifies joint and several liability in line with the Damages Directive and the CJEU\u2019s judgment in C-312\/21 &#8211; <em>Tr\u00e1ficos Manuel Ferrer<\/em> (ECLI:EU:C:2023:99). SMEs are exempt unless they led the cartel or are repeat offenders, and immunity recipients are liable only to their own direct and indirect customers, or more broadly if others cannot fully compensate.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the relevant limitation periods for competition damages claims? How can they be suspended or interrupted?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Following the Damages Directive, article\u202f74 of the Competition Act provides a five\u2011year limitation period, replacing the former one\u2011year tort period, starting when the claimant has reasonable knowledge of the infringement, harm and infringer\u2019s identity. The CJEU in C\u2011605\/21 &#8211; <em>Heureka Group<\/em> (ECLI:EU:C:2024:324) held the clock runs from publication of the Commission decision\u2019s summary, while the Supreme Court in <em>Envelopes<\/em> (judgment of 5 June 2025, ECLI:ES:TS:2025:2621) ruled that for claims linked to a national decision, time generally runs from the end of judicial review unless earlier knowledge is proven.<\/p>\n<p>Limitation is interrupted (i.e. restarted) during judicial review of the decision (article\u202f74(3) of the Competition Act) and resumes one year after it ends. Separately, under article\u202f1973 of the Civil Code, it can be interrupted at any time by a sufficiently detailed written demand served to the defendant.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Which local courts and\/or tribunals deal with competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>At first instance, competition damages claims are heard by the commercial chambers of the provincial first instance courts (formerly commercial courts). Judgments are appealable to the provincial courts of appeal, except for fast\u2011track follow\u2011on claims under \u20ac3,000. Further appeals on points of law may be brought before the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n<p>Jurisdiction is generally based on the defendant\u2019s domicile. If the defendant is not domiciled in Spain, the claimant may sue where the harmful event occurred or produced its effects, relying on Regulation (EU) 1215\/2012 (CJEU\u2019s judgment in C-30\/20 &#8211; <em>Volvo and Others<\/em>, ECLI:EU:C:2021:604) or Supreme Court case law (order of 19 March 2019, ECLI:ES:TS:2019:3430A). In joint infringements, the claimant may choose the court of any defendant\u2019s domicile.<\/p>\n<p>Consumers may alternatively bring claims before the court of their own domicile (Supreme Court\u2019s order of 13 October 2022, ECLI:ES:TS:2022:13976A).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court determine whether it has jurisdiction over a competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The claimant asserts material and territorial jurisdiction in the statement of claim, and defendants may challenge it in their submissions. If contested, the court issues an interlocutory decision, which is subject to appeal.<\/p>\n<p>In any event, courts must examine material jurisdiction <em>ex officio<\/em>.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court determine what law will apply to the competition damages claim?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Applicable law is decided in the final judgment. Parties are expected to raise choice-of-law arguments in their pleadings, though the court may otherwise assess the issue <em>ex officio<\/em>. There is no separate preliminary phase on applicable law.<\/p>\n<p>Courts apply the relevant conflict rules; notably, at the EU level, Rome\u202fII (Regulation\u202f(EC)\u202f864\/2007) for non\u2011contractual obligations. Foreign law must be proven by the party relying on it.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What is the applicable standard of proof?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>No special standard applies beyond ordinary civil principles and the EU principles of effectiveness and equivalence already codified in the Damages Directive. Claimants must prove the existence and amount of harm, though courts may estimate damages on a \u2018broad axe\u2019 basis under article\u202f76(2) of the Competition Act where harm is established but precise quantification is too difficult.<\/p>\n<p>On pass-on, the Supreme Court in <em>Envelopes<\/em> (judgment of 5 June 2025, ECLI:ES:TS:2025:2621) ruled that defendants must prove, transaction by transaction, the actual passing\u2011on of any overcharge; generic claims of cost offsets are insufficient.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent are local courts bound by the infringement decisions of (domestic or foreign) competition authorities?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under article\u202f75 of the Competition Act, final decisions of Spanish competition authorities (national or regional) bind civil courts in damages actions. Even before transposition of the Damages Directive, the Supreme Court confirmed this binding effect, while non\u2011final decisions were treated as persuasive (judgment of 9 January 2015, ECLI:ES:TS:2015:191), in line with the CJEU\u2019s later ruling in C\u201125\/21 &#8211; <em>Repsol<\/em> (ECLI:EU:C:2023:298).<\/p>\n<p>Decisions of other EU Member State authorities create a rebuttable presumption of infringement.<\/p>\n<p>European Commission decisions are binding on Spanish courts under Regulation\u202f1\/2003, whether final or under review.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">To what extent can a private damages action proceed while related public enforcement action is pending? Is there a procedure permitting enforcers to stay a private action while the public enforcement action is pending?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Private actions no longer require a prior infringement decision, but ongoing public enforcement often shapes the litigation. The limitation period is suspended while an infringement decision is under appeal.<\/p>\n<p>Courts may stay proceedings under article\u202f434(3) of the Civil Procedure Act while a Spanish authority\u2019s decision is pending, or under articles\u202f42-43 for broader prejudicial issues, though practice varies. When the claim relies on a Commission decision under review, courts cannot contradict the decision but may in principle order a stay under EU law.<\/p>\n<p>Competition authorities cannot stay civil cases themselves but may intervene as <em>amicus curiae.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, if any, mechanisms are available to aggregate competition damages claims (e.g. class actions, assignment\/claims vehicles, or consolidation of claims through case management)? What, if any, threshold criteria have to be met?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Spanish law offers procedural and substantive aggregation routes:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>The Civil Procedure Act allows joinder of claims sharing \u2018a link by reason of the title or cause of action\u2019, a broad test assessed case by case. Admissibility is decided at the preliminary hearing.<\/li>\n<li>Representative actions. Consumer associations may bring actions. Until Directive\u202f2020\/1828 is transposed, they must show whether the claim involves \u2018collective\u2019 (identifiable) or \u2018diffuse\u2019 (indeterminate) interests, which is treated as a preliminary matter.<\/li>\n<li>Tort claims can be assigned to SPVs or claims vehicles. The Supreme Court\u2019s broad interpretation of \u2018credit\u2019 permits bundling of claims, with validity reviewed in the first\u2011instance judgment.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are there any defences (e.g. pass on) which are unique to competition damages cases? Which party bears the burden of proof?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>The key competition\u2011specific defence is pass\u2011on. Under article\u202f78 of the Competition Act, the burden of proof lies with the defendant to show that any overcharge was passed down the chain. The standard is demanding: the Supreme Court in <em>Envelopes<\/em> (judgment of 5 June 2025, ECLI:ES:TS:2025:2621) held that generic offset arguments are insufficient, requiring transaction\u2011by\u2011transaction evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Parental liability is another distinct feature: article\u202f71 presumes parent companies liable for their subsidiaries\u2019 infringements unless decisive influence is rebutted.<\/p>\n<p>Defendants may also raise general civil defences, such as mitigation (Supreme Court\u2019s judgment of 4 March 2015, ECLI:ES:TS:2015:669).<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Is expert evidence permitted in competition litigation, and, if so, how is it used? Is the expert appointed by the court or the parties and what duties do they owe?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Expert reports are standard in competition cases. Claimants typically file them with the claim; defendants may submit theirs later, but no later than five days before the preliminary hearing.<\/p>\n<p>Experts are usually party\u2011appointed but must act independently and meet professional standards. Courts can appoint experts, generally on request, though this is rare. Courts are not bound by expert conclusions and may assess harm based on the entire evidentiary record.<\/p>\n<p>In <em>Sugar <\/em>(judgment of 7 Novembre 2013, ECLI:ES:TS:2013:5819), the Supreme Court set methodological standards for expert reports, requiring robust models, well\u2011founded assumptions and reliable data.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Describe the trial process. Who is the decision-maker at trial? How is evidence dealt with? Is it written or oral, and what are the rules on cross-examination?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>After admissibility, a preliminary hearing frames the issues, resolves objections and rules on evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Trial is largely oral: witnesses and experts are examined and cross\u2011examined under adversarial principles, alongside documentary and other evidence. In fast\u2011track proceedings, the preliminary hearing and trial are combined. Judges decide both fact and law (there are no juries) and closings are generally oral.<\/p>\n<p>Disclosure, when ordered, proceeds separately on a streamlined track.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How long does it typically take from commencing proceedings to get to trial? Is there an appeal process? How many levels of appeal are possible?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Timelines vary. Straightforward follow\u2011on actions often conclude within 12-18\u202fmonths, while complex cases may take three to four years at first instance.<\/p>\n<p>Appeals lie from first\u2011instance judgments to the provincial court on fact and law. Fast\u2011track claims under \u20ac3,000 end at first instance with no appeal.<\/p>\n<p>A further appeal on points of law may be brought before the Supreme Court, and ultimately before the Constitutional Court in cases involving breaches of fundamental rights.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Do leniency recipients receive any benefit in the damages litigation context?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under article\u202f73 of the Competition Act, immunity recipients are jointly and severally liable only to their own direct or indirect customers or suppliers, and to others only if the remaining infringers cannot provide full compensation. Contribution claims against them are likewise restricted.<\/p>\n<p>Leniency and settlement statements are absolutely protected from disclosure.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How does the court approach the assessment of loss in competition damages cases? Are \u201cumbrella effects\u201d recognised? Is any particular economic methodology favoured by the court?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Courts apply a but\u2011for test. On econometric evidence, no single econometric methodology is mandated: they rely on the record, competition authorities\u2019 guides and case law principles. If precise quantification is too difficult, article\u202f76(2) of the Competition Act and general civil law principles allow judicial \u2018broad axe\u2019 estimation.<\/p>\n<p>Umbrella and lingering effects are recognised but require adequate proof.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">How is interest calculated in competition damages cases?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>In <em>Envelopes <\/em>(judgment of 5 June 2025, ECLI:ES:TS:2025:2621), the Supreme Court confirmed statutory interest as the default from the date the harm arose until the claim is filed, unless another rate is proven, and endorsed compound interest as the standard capitalisation method.<\/p>\n<p>Procedural interest, at a higher statutory rate, accrues simply from judgment until payment.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can a defendant seek contribution or indemnity from other defendants? On what basis is liability allocated between defendants?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Under article\u202f1145(2) of the Civil Code and article\u202f73(5) of the Competition Act, jointly and severally liable infringers may seek contribution after final judgment or settlement; allocation is determined at that stage, with no detailed statutory criteria beyond the Damages Directive framework.<\/p>\n<p>Cartel liability is generally joint and several, but SMEs and immunity recipients have limited exposure. Article\u202f77 allows settling parties to bar subsequent contribution claims against them.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">In what circumstances, if any, can a competition damages claim be disposed of (in whole or in part) without a full trial?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Following the preliminary hearing, the court may declare the action inadmissible on exceptional grounds under the Civil Procedure Act (e.g. lack of legal capacity or <em>lis pendens<\/em>).<\/p>\n<p>The case can also conclude early if the defendant admits the claim, or if the parties settle or withdraw at any stage.<\/p>\n<p>Alternative dispute resolution mechanisms may temporarily suspend proceedings under article\u202f81 of the Competition Act.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, if any, mechanism is available for the collective settlement of competition damages claims? Can such settlements include parties outside of the jurisdiction?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>There is no dedicated collective\u2011settlement framework. Claims may be settled before the court, which approves the agreement giving it <em>res judicata<\/em> effect, or privately with subsequent withdrawal of the case.<\/p>\n<p>Settlements bind only the parties that adhere, though third parties, including those outside Spain, may join if they choose.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What are the rules for disclosure of documents (including documents from the competition authority file or from other third parties)? Are there any exceptions (e.g. on grounds of privilege or confidentiality, or in respect of leniency or settlement materials)?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Articles\u202f283\u202fbis\u202f(a)-(k) of the Civil Procedure Act allow either party to request proportionate, targeted disclosure from the opposing party, third parties or the authority\u2019s file. Requests may be made with or after the claim, or pre\u2011action; if made pre\u2011action, the claimant must file the claim within 20\u202fdays of final access to the evidence.<\/p>\n<p>Leniency statements and settlement submissions are absolutely protected. Other file materials are generally available once public enforcement ends, though courts may limit disclosure to protect confidentiality and trade secrets.<\/p>\n<p>Lawyer\u2011to\u2011lawyer communications cannot be disclosed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What procedures, if any, are available to protect confidential or proprietary information disclosed during the court process?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Under article\u202f283\u202fbis(b) of the Civil Procedure Act, courts may order redactions, in\u2011camera hearings, restricted access, non\u2011confidential summaries, redacted judgments or confidentiality rings for evidence obtained through disclosure.<\/p>\n<p>The Trade Secrets Act\u202f1\/2019 (implementing Directive\u202f(EU)\u202f2016\/943) adds protection for confidential information constituting trade secrets through procedural safeguards and liability triggers.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Can litigation costs (e.g. legal, expert and court fees) be recovered from the other party? If so, how are costs calculated, and are there any circumstances in which costs recovery can be limited?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Spanish law applies the \u2018loser pays\u2019 rule: the prevailing party generally recovers costs if it succeeds in full or substantially. If only partially successful, the court may deny costs. This is consistent with the EU principle of effectiveness recognised by the CJEU in C\u2011312\/21 &#8211; <em>Tr\u00e1ficos Manuel Ferrer<\/em> (ECLI:EU:C:2023:99).<\/p>\n<p>Recoverable costs include lawyers\u2019 fees (referred to non\u2011binding bar guidelines), court\u2011agent fees, expert fees and court fees. Recovery is capped at one\u2011third of the claim\u2019s value, and courts may adjust costs based on reasonableness, consulting the bar association if needed.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">Are third parties permitted to fund competition litigation? If so, are there any restrictions on this, and can third party funders be made liable for the other party\u2019s costs? Are lawyers permitted to act on a contingency or conditional fee basis?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Yes. Third\u2011party funding is permitted and common, with no competition-specific restrictions. Funders are not normally liable for adverse costs unless they contractually assume that risk.<\/p>\n<p>Contingency and conditional fees are also permitted; the Supreme Court (judgment of 4 November 2008, ECLI:ES:TS:2008:6610) struck down bar rules banning them as anti\u2011competitive.<\/p>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, in your opinion, are the main obstacles to litigating competition damages claims?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Several hurdles persist, both procedural and practical:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>Complex, data\u2011intensive cases. Robust econometric evidence is essential but costly and time\u2011consuming. Targeted disclosure helps bridge evidentiary gaps but adds layers, delay and expense.<\/li>\n<li>Fragmented, small-value litigation. The absence of an effective collective redress framework scatters small claims across courts, overburdening the system, producing inconsistent rulings and diverting resources from larger, more meritorious cases.<\/li>\n<li>Capacity and willingness. Court congestion, \u2018one\u2011size\u2011fits\u2011all\u2019 approaches and a limited culture of disclosure and settlement slow resolution and discourage alternative dispute resolution.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"question-block filter-container__element\">\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"filter-container__match-html\">What, in your opinion, are likely to be the most significant developments affecting competition litigation in the next five years?<\/h3>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<button id=\"show-me\">+<\/button>\r\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"question_answer filter-container__match-html\" style=\"display:none;\"><p>Competition damages litigation in Spain is entering a more mature but demanding phase:<\/p>\n<ul style=\"padding-left: 0\">\n<li>Collective redress. Opt\u2011in models will consolidate through SPV\u2011bundled claims, particularly for B2B and some B2C cases. If approved, Spain\u2019s delayed transposition of Directive\u202f2020\/1828 is expected to introduce opt\u2011out actions led by certified entities, reshaping the field as in other European jurisdictions.<\/li>\n<li>Case-law consolidation. Building on <em>Trucks<\/em> and <em>Envelopes<\/em>, the Supreme Court is likely to resolve outstanding issues, improving predictability.<\/li>\n<li>Fewer but stronger cases. As mass\u2011claim waves (e.g. <em>Trucks<\/em>, <em>Car Manufacturers<\/em>) fade and courts demand more rigorous expert evidence, the docket will narrow to stronger cases, with settlement gaining prominence. Fewer competition authority decisions may also spur more stand-alone claims.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\r\n\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t\t\r\n<div class=\"word-count-hidden\" style=\"display:none;\">Estimated word count: <span class=\"word-count\">3251<\/span><\/div>\r\n\r\n\t\t\t<\/ol>\r\n\r\n<script type=\"text\/javascript\" src=\"\/wp-content\/themes\/twentyseventeen\/src\/jquery\/components\/filter-guides.js\" async><\/script><\/div>"}},"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide\/110550","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comparative_guide"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/comparative_guide"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/my.legal500.com\/guides\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=110550"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}