Originally broadcast on Tuesday, November 8, 2011 - 15:30

After detailed revision, the new European Commission rules concerning distribution came into force on 1 June 2010, with the aim of further utilising the internet as a distribution channel. The guidelines also sought to clarify the supplier’s ability to limit online sales by purchasers, especially in regard to selling on by the internet. A year on, how effective has this guidance been? This webinar will examine the changes in the rules, and their practical impact on distribution agreements in the digital economy.

This webinar covers:
·         One year on, how effective has the Commission's guidance been for businesses and practitioners?
·         Is there any way of avoiding the applicability of Article 101 TFEU and equivalent provisions in national law?
·         Are there any safe harbours?
·         What have we learnt from recent case law/decisions by national competition authorities?
·         On-line sales: distinguishing between active and passive sales in practice (including the use of third party platforms) and permissible restrictions on on-line selling
·         Criteria for on-line sales in the context of selective distribution: quality standards and the requirement to have "one or more" brick and mortar outlets
·         “Genuine agency agreements" in an on-line context: where are the boundaries?