Highlights In The Guidelines On Vertical Agreements

In competition law, agreements between undertakings, which are at different levels of the supply chain, are classified as vertical agreements. Competition law sensitivities which may arise from vertical agreements have mainly been regulated under the Communiqué No. 2002/2 on Block Exemption on Vertical Agreements (the "Communiqué No. 2002/2") and a guideline setting forth how to implement the relevant Communiqué in detail in line with the principles of the source European competition law has been an extremely useful secondary legislation mechanism for around 10 years. On the other hand, it is possible to state that, due to the evolution of the business models in the world, the intensification of internet usage, the intensive flow and increase of trading through online markets in addition to the traditional methods, the relevant Communiqué has become unable to respond to the competition law problems that may arise out of the specific dynamics of these markets at certain