77909 - European Competition Law

Learning outcomes

The aim of the course is to provide students with an in-depth and critical knowledge of the European rules on competition. An approach 'law and economics' will be taken, but students do not need a specific economic background. In order to analyse the matter even under a practical perspective, an significant part of the course will be devoted to the analysis of the relevant European case-law.

Course contents

At the beginning of the course a detailed Syllabus will be circulated. The general content of the course is the following: - 1. Antitrust: law and economics, behavioral economics. -  2: Horizontal restraints: cartels, proof of the infringement, notion of undertaking - 3. Vertical restraints: free riding issues, exemption form the general prohibition 4. Abuse of dominant position: market power, exploitative abuses and exclusionary abuses - 5. Enforcing antitrust: fines, damages, procedure and protection of right of defense. - 6. State and competition: basic elements.  

Readings/Bibliography

Students attending the classes may prepare the exam making reference to the materials that will be circulated and to their notes.  Considering the characteristics of the course, attendance is highly recommended. 
Students not attending the classes may prepare the exam on R. WHISH, D. BAILEY, Competition Law, Oxford, 2015, 8th Ed, pp. 1-350 and 545-809.   

Teaching methods

Professor will present the different issues with reference to the relevant legal and economic analysis. For each issue the related case-law will be circulated and students are requested to read it previously and to discussed it in class.

Assessment methods

In the first assessment session (normally at the end of May), the examination is written (multiple-choice questions).

Since this written examination will be based on the main subjects of the lessons, it is open only to the students that have regularly attended the course. Students that did not attend the course may take an oral exam. 

In the other sessions (June, July and September) the exam is oral for all students.  

Teaching tools

Student attending the class will be required to actively participate in the analysis of the case law of the EU courts.

Office hours

See the website of Pietro Manzini