COVID-19 Crisis: Guidelines For Dealing With Antitrust Risks

The COVID-19 crisis forces companies from a wide range of industries to cooperate and to change their market behavior. Antitrust rules, however, remain applicable. In the event of a violation of the antitrust law requirements, sanctions may be imposed – despite the COVID-19 crisis.

Background

Companies in a wide range of industries are facing major challenges due to the COVID-19 crisis. Such challenges include strongly increased or strongly decreased demand, possible supply bottlenecks or even possible supply shortages.

Although the situation is exceptional, antirust rules remain applicable. The only exceptions are if the government and authorities order measures to combat the COVID-19 crisis that restrict competition.