Introduction

In today’s fast-paced global economy, maintaining fair competition is critical for fostering innovation, protecting consumers, and ensuring economic stability. Competition law—also known as antitrust law—regulates market power, prevents monopolistic practices, and promotes fair trade. Governments worldwide enforce strict regulations to combat anti-competitive behavior, such as price-fixing, market allocation, and abuse of dominance.

This Competition Law and Policy Training Course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of competition laws, enforcement mechanisms, and compliance strategies. The course explores global competition policies, merger control, cartel enforcement, digital market regulations, and emerging challenges in competition law. Through real-world case studies, interactive discussions, and legal analysis, participants will gain practical insights into ensuring compliance and mitigating risks in competitive markets.

Course Objectives

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:
✔ Understand the fundamental principles of competition law and policy.
✔ Analyze key global competition law frameworks and enforcement strategies.
✔ Identify and assess anti-competitive behaviors, including cartels and abuse of dominance.
✔ Navigate merger control regulations and competition authority approvals.
✔ Explore the role of competition law in digital markets and technology sectors.
✔ Develop compliance strategies to prevent anti-competitive conduct.
✔ Understand the implications of competition law on business strategies and corporate governance.
✔ Evaluate case studies of competition law violations and enforcement actions.
✔ Anticipate future trends and challenges in global competition policy.

Who Should Attend?

This course is ideal for professionals responsible for legal compliance, competition law, and market regulation, including:

• Corporate Legal Counsel and In-House Lawyers
• Competition Law and Antitrust Specialists
• Regulators and Government Officials
• Compliance Officers and Risk Managers
• Business Executives and Strategic Planners
• Merger and Acquisition (M&A) Advisors
• Economists and Policy Analysts
• Professionals in Technology, Telecom, Pharmaceuticals, and Finance Sectors
• Lawyers and Legal Consultants Specializing in Competition Law

Day 1: Fundamentals of Competition Law and Anti-Competitive Practices

Session 1: Introduction to Competition Law

• Objectives of Competition Law: Fair markets, consumer protection, innovation.
• Historical Evolution of Antitrust and Competition Laws.
• Key Global Regulatory Authorities (EU Competition Law, US Antitrust Laws, etc.).
• Impact of Competition Law on Businesses and Market Structures.
• Case Study: Examining landmark antitrust cases and their market impact.

Session 2: Identifying Anti-Competitive Agreements and Cartels

• Types of Anti-Competitive Agreements: Horizontal vs. Vertical Restraints.
• Cartels and Collusion: Price Fixing, Market Allocation, and Bid Rigging.
• Detection and Enforcement: Dawn Raids, Leniency Programs, and Fines.
• Legal and Economic Analysis of Cartel Behavior.
• Case Study: Investigation of a global cartel and its legal consequences.

Day 2: Abuse of Dominance and Market Power

Session 3: Understanding Market Dominance

• Defining Market Power and Dominance Under Competition Law.
• Key Factors in Assessing Abuse of Dominance (Market Share, Barriers to Entry).
• Exclusive Dealing, Predatory Pricing, and Tying Arrangements.
• Economic Implications of Market Dominance.
• Case Study: Analysis of a dominant company facing antitrust scrutiny.

Session 4: Digital Markets and Big Tech Regulation

• Competition Law Challenges in Digital and Tech Industries.
• Regulating Big Tech (Google, Amazon, Facebook, Apple, Microsoft).
• Issues with Network Effects, Platform Neutrality, and Data Control.
• The Role of Competition Authorities in Governing Digital Markets.
• Case Study: Examining major tech antitrust cases (e.g., Google EU fine).

Day 3: Merger Control and Competition Policy Enforcement

Session 5: Merger Control and Antitrust Review

• Why Regulate Mergers? Preventing Anti-Competitive Market Concentration.
• Merger Control Frameworks: Pre-Merger Notifications and Investigations.
• Key Economic Tests for Mergers: SIEC Test (EU), HHI Index (US).
• Remedies and Divestitures to Maintain Competition.
• Case Study: Reviewing a high-profile blocked merger.

Session 6: Investigations and Enforcement Actions

• Role of Competition Authorities in Investigations.
• Tools for Detecting and Prosecuting Anti-Competitive Conduct.
• Penalties, Fines, and Corporate Liability in Competition Violations.
• The Role of Private Enforcement and Consumer Actions.
• Case Study: A multinational corporation’s antitrust violation and its legal repercussions.

Day 4: Competition Compliance Strategies and Sectoral Regulations

Session 7: Developing Competition Compliance Programs

• Key Elements of an Effective Competition Compliance Program.
• Training Employees and Management on Competition Law Risks.
• Monitoring and Reporting Mechanisms to Avoid Violations.
• Best Practices for Internal Competition Law Audits.
• Case Study: Implementation of a successful corporate compliance program.

Session 8: Sector-Specific Competition Law Challenges

• Telecommunications and Media: Network Sharing, Licensing, and Market Access.
• Pharmaceutical and Healthcare: Patent Settlements and Generic Drug Entry.
• Financial Services: Anti-Competitive Conduct in Banking and Payment Systems.
• Retail and Supply Chain: Pricing Strategies, Resale Price Maintenance (RPM).
• Case Study: Sector-specific competition law enforcement actions.

Day 5: The Future of Competition Law and Policy

Session 9: Competition Law in an Era of Globalization

• Harmonization of Competition Laws Across Jurisdictions.
• The Role of International Trade Agreements in Competition Policy.
• Cross-Border Competition Law Enforcement Challenges.
• New Trends in Global Competition Regulation.
• Case Study: A multinational company’s approach to competition law compliance.

Session 10: Emerging Issues and Future Challenges

• AI and Machine Learning in Competition Law Enforcement.
• Regulating Market Power in the Era of Artificial Intelligence.
• Impact of ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) on Competition Law.
• Predictions for Future Antitrust Legislation and Enforcement Trends.
• Final Exam and Certification: Knowledge assessment and awarding certificates.