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Economics Faculty - University of Trento
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International
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Bulletin Board on our WIKI
Course objectives
This course’s objective is first an interdisciplinary appraisal of European competition law, especially in the light of the current “more economic approach”, i.e. an effects based rather than a form-based approach to competition policy issues. Second, the class will cover antitrust/competition principles in the United States and selected other countries. Lastly, the course is aimed at considering the impact of globalization on competition policy, such as problems of extraterritoriality and other issues at the interface between competition policy and trade law.
By the time you complete, you should be able to demonstrate a practical and theoretical understanding of the fundamental competition/antitrust issues posed by a series of common business practices, such as distribution contracts, intellectual property licences and mergers. In particular, this involves your ability to: · explain and discuss the main objectives of competition policy; · identify actual business and strategy issues relevant to competition policy; · utilize legal and economic tools to provide an in-depth analysis of these critical issues.
Contents
The course will first provide an introduction into the normative and theoretical foundations of competition law. This requires an overview of economic concepts relevant to competition policy, partly dealt with in other courses of the Master program. Based on these building blocks, we will then conduct a systematic overview of European competition law, i.e. the assessment of horizontal and vertical agreements, the abuse of dominant position, and merger policy. You will be able to gain practical insights into the functioning of European competition policy through both the in-depth analysis of major cases dealt with by competition authorities and courts in various areas, and the discussion of case studies based on hypothetical scenarios. When the relevant market spans regions outside the European Union, the competition laws of other jurisdictions are also likely to apply. Therefore, taking account of the increasingly international dimension of business practices, the course will cover the basic principles of other competition regimes, such as of the US and some Asian countries. Finally, and relatedly, we will discuss options to assess restrictive business practices of an international scope within the World Trade Organization and through other means.
Grading
The final grade (ranging from 1 to 30, according to the Italian University system) will depend on the following components: · 60% final written exam on all the materials presented during the course · 40% individual discussion and presentation of a case study; other assignments.
Office hours
Thursdays, 5.45— 7.15 p.m. By appointment, email: simonetta.vezzoso@unitn.it.
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