Protection of competitions and consumers in digital markets 1600-SZD-SPEC-PC-PR
The course explores how law protects competition and consumers in market economies. The course’s focus is on the EU law, but the discussion is set against the experiences of the U.S. The course examines the regulatory framework governing competition among firms, identifying and analyzing the existing limitations and challenges in this regard. In particular, it looks into anticompetitive practices such as cartels, vertical restraints and monopolies. It also discusses merger review system and the recent regulatory measures adopted within the EU such as the Digital Market Act. Finally, the course analyses consumer protection in the context of digital markets, addressing the major complexities related to the customization of supply and the imbalance in the bargaining power of the parties. The course is based on case-studies and class discussions related the newest case-law relating to practices of Big Tech companies such as Google, Meta, Amazon or Apple.
Course coordinators
Learning outcomes
Knowledge:
WK_1 Knows and understands fundamental dilemmas of modern civilization.
WK_2 Knows and understands economic, legal, ethical and other significant determinants of academic activity
WK_3 Knows and understands basic principles of knowledge transfer to the economic and social spheres as well as commercialisation of research results and the know-how related to them
Skills:
UK._5 Can use a foreign language at the B2 level, according to Common European Framework of Reference for Languages, enabling participation in the international scientific and professional environment
After completing the course, a student will:
- Frame the main categories related to competition law;
- Address the main challenges arising from the competition and consumer perspective in digital markets;
- Discuss key features of the relevant EU legislation and policy;
- Apply the theoretical categories in real cases.
Assessment criteria
Description of requirements related to participation in classes, including the
permitted number of explained absences:
Active participation is required, and one justified absence is allowed.
Evaluation criteria:
- Active participation in class (reactions during regular lectures).
- Legislative/Case-law discussion and preparation to the discussion
Practical placement
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Bibliography
A. Ezrachi, EU Competition Law Goals and the Digital Economy, Oxford Legal Studies Research Paper No. 17/2018,.
2. M. Gal and N. Elkin-Koren, Algorithmic Consumers, Harvard Journal of Law & Technology, Vol. 30, Number 2, 2017;
3. M. Bernatt, L. Zoboli, ‘Competition Law’, In: Research Handbook on the Enforcement of EU Law, Miroslava Scholten (ed.), Edward Elgar Publishing Ltd (2023), pp 398–414, https://ssrn.com/abstract=4309073
4. M. Bernatt, Competition Law and the Digital Economy: Poland, https://ssrn.com/abstract=3431641
5. K. Stylianou, M. Iacovides, The goals of EU competition law: a comprehensive empirical investigation. Legal Studies. 2022; 42(4):620-648, doi:10.2139/ssrn.3686619
6. L. Zoboli and C. Poncibò, Regulatory Sandboxes and Consumer Protection: The European Perspective, International Journal on Consumer Law & Practice;
7. A. Davola, Fostering Consumer Protection in the Granular Market. The Role of Rules on Consent, Misrepresentation and Fraud in Regulating Personalized Practices, Amsterdam Law School Research Paper No. 2021-07.
8. M. Grochowski, European Consumer Law after the New Deal: A Tryptich. Yearbook of European Law, 2021.
Additional information
Additional information (registration calendar, class conductors, localization and schedules of classes), might be available in the USOSweb system: