This chapter provides an outline of the operation of Chapter II Prohibition, pointing out the relevant guidelines and decisions. This Chapter II Prohibition, contained in section 18 of the Competition Act 1998 (CA), is the UK domestic equivalent of Article 102 TFEU. It is to be applied, and its terms interpreted, in a way that is consistent with the application of Article 102 TFEU, unless there is a ‘relevant difference’. If Article 102 TFEU is applicable to any practice being examined under Chapter II Prohibition, it must be applied. A breach of Chapter II Prohibition may incur penalties, damages, and a requirement of conduct modification.
Chapter
15. The Chapter II Prohibition
Chapter
22. Competition law and intellectual property
This chapter discusses the relationship between competition law and intellectual property rights. Competition law may limit the ability to exercise intellectual property rights. Article 101 TFEU and Chapter I Prohibition may apply to agreements to license intellectual property, as well as pay-for-delay settlements between a patent holder and potential competitors. Article 102 TFEU and Chapter II Prohibition may apply to the use of intellectual property rights by a dominant undertaking, particularly when the protected asset is essential to third parties. The existence of intellectual property rights does not automatically confer a dominant position — the product or service may still face competition.
