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ARTICLE · 04 JUNE 2026

The Updated Technology Transfer Block Exemptions: Modernisation, Not Overhaul

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The European Union and United Kingdom have introduced new Technology Transfer Block Exemption regulations, marking the first major update since 2014 and the UK's first post-Brexit IP-related block exemption. These regulations provide crucial safe harbours for technology licensing arrangements, determining when such agreements are compatible with competition law. While both regimes remain closely aligned, key differences emerge in their treatment of database rights, market share thresholds, and licensing neg

United KingdomAntitrust/Competition Law
Greg Dowell
Greg Dowell
Megan Humphreys
Megan Humphreys
Matthew Jones
Matthew Jones
Christophe Humpe
Christophe Humpe

On 1 May 2026, the new EU Technology Transfer Block Exemption (TTBER) and its UK equivalent - the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Order (TTBEO) - entered into force. The block exemptions (and corresponding guidance) allow potential licensees and licensors to determine the compatibility of their technology licensing arrangements with EU/UK competition law, exempting agreements that meet certain conditions.

The new TTBER replaces the 2014 version, and follows several years of Commission review of the previous TTBER, including an open public consultation and expert study. 

From a UK perspective, the TTBEO is the first IP-related block exemption implemented by the UK following Brexit - the previous regulation was assimilated into UK law following the UK’s withdrawal from the EU.

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