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 | The graduate knows and understands:
WG_01 - to the extent necessary for existing paradigms to be revised - a worldwide body of work, covering theoretical foundations as well as general and selected specific issues - relevant to a particular discipline
within the social sciences
WG_02 - the main development trends in the disciplines of the social sciences in which the education is provided
WG_03 - scientific research methodology in the field of the social sciences
WK_01 - fundamental dilemmas of modern civilisation from the perspective of the social sciences
Skills | The graduate is able to:
UK_05 - speaking a foreign language at B2 level of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages using the professional terminology specific to the discipline within the social sciences, to the extent enabling participation in an international scientific and professional environment
Social competences | The graduate is ready to
KO_01 - fulfilling the social obligations of researchers and creators
KO_02 - fulfilling social obligations and taking actions in the public interest, in particular in initiating actions in the public interest
KO_03 - think and acting in an entrepreneurial manner
and other:
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: