Introduction

In today’s globalized and digital economy, antitrust and competition laws are evolving rapidly to address challenges posed by technological advancements, data monopolies, and cross-border transactions. This 5-day intensive training program provides a deep dive into key legal frameworks, enforcement trends, and compliance strategies. Participants will gain insights into how businesses can navigate competition laws while fostering innovation and growth.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will:
✔ Understand the core principles of antitrust and competition law across different jurisdictions.
✔ Analyze real-world case studies of antitrust violations and enforcement actions.
✔ Identify risks related to mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures.
✔ Explore the role of digital markets, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data in competition law.
✔ Develop effective compliance strategies to mitigate legal risks.
✔ Engage with experts and policymakers to understand future regulatory trends.

Who Should Attend?

• Legal professionals (corporate lawyers, in-house counsel, compliance officers)
• Procurement and contract managers handling competition-sensitive agreements
• Government and regulatory officials working in antitrust enforcement
• Economists and analysts involved in competition assessments
• Business executives and strategists navigating competition risks in mergers and acquisitions
• Tech industry leaders and digital market players concerned with AI, algorithms, and data competition

Day 1: Foundations of Antitrust and Competition Law

Session 1: Introduction to Competition Law

• Historical evolution and objectives
• Key principles: Market power, monopolization, and fair competition
• Comparison of major legal frameworks (US, EU, Asia-Pacific, and emerging markets)

Session 2: Market Structures and Competitive Behaviors

• Defining relevant markets and market dominance
• Horizontal and vertical agreements: Collaboration vs. collusion
• Case study: Global cartel investigations and enforcement actions

Session 3: Emerging Competition Law Challenges

• Digital economy and platform dominance
• Role of AI and algorithmic pricing in competition
• Debate: Is antitrust law ready for the future of tech?

Day 2: Antitrust Enforcement & Compliance Strategies

Session 4: Enforcement Mechanisms and Regulatory Authorities

• Role of competition regulators (DOJ, FTC, EC, CMA, etc.)
• Key enforcement trends and landmark cases
• Penalties, settlements, and leniency programs

Session 5: Antitrust Compliance in Business Operations

• Designing internal compliance programs
• Red flags in business agreements and supply chains
• Case study: Lessons from companies fined for antitrust violations

Session 6: Merger Control & Acquisitions

• Review process and thresholds for notification
• Competition risk assessment in M&A transactions
• Future trends: Global scrutiny of big tech mergers

Day 3: Procurement & Contracts in the Context of Antitrust Law

Session 7: Antitrust Issues in Public and Private Procurement

• Bid-rigging and cartel behavior
• Exclusionary practices in tendering processes
• Case study: Major procurement fraud cases and legal actions

Session 8: Competition Compliance in Supply Chain and Distribution Agreements

• Resale price maintenance, exclusive dealing, and tying arrangements
• Case study: Distribution and franchising agreements under scrutiny

Session 9: Navigating Risks in Joint Ventures & Strategic Alliances

• When do partnerships violate competition laws?
• Strategies for structuring pro-competitive agreements
• Risk mitigation and compliance best practices

Day 4: Antitrust in the Digital Age & Future Regulatory Trends

Session 10: Digital Markets & Antitrust Enforcement

• Regulation of tech giants: Case studies (Google, Amazon, Apple, Meta)
• Antitrust concerns in data-driven markets
• AI, blockchain, and automated decision-making: Legal implications

Session 11: Globalization & Cross-Border Antitrust Challenges

• Harmonization vs. fragmentation of competition laws
• Extraterritorial reach of enforcement actions
• Case study: International cartel investigations

Session 12: Emerging Regulatory Trends & The Future of Antitrust

• Upcoming regulatory reforms (Digital Markets Act, AI regulations, etc.)
• The role of sustainability and ESG in competition law
• Open discussion: Where is competition law headed in the next decade?

Day 5: Interactive Case Studies, Simulations & Expert Panel

Session 13: Crisis Simulation: Handling an Antitrust Investigation

• Role-playing exercise: Responding to dawn raids and investigations
• Legal strategies for cooperation vs. defense
• Managing reputational and financial risks

Session 14: Mock Merger Review & Negotiation Exercise

• Simulated negotiation between regulators and corporate legal teams
• Assessing competitive effects and proposing remedies

Session 15: Expert Panel Discussion & Q&A

• Insights from leading antitrust regulators, legal experts, and industry leaders
• Key takeaways and final reflections

Final Wrap-Up & Certification

• Course summary and participant feedback
• Awarding of completion certificates
• Networking session