Antitrust law is of central importance for companies of all sizes and in all industries. Particularly in the digital age, which is characterised by far-reaching regulations such as the EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) and the German Digitisation Act, antitrust requirements are becoming increasingly complex. Companies must ensure that they comply with the legal framework in order to avoid sanctions and competitive disadvantages.

Antitrust law protects free competition by regulating agreements between competitors, the formation of monopolies and the abuse of market power. It sets limits for horizontal and vertical agreements and at the same time creates the legal framework for permissible cooperation. This is particularly relevant in highly concentrated markets, such as the digital economy. Companies must ensure that they comply with antitrust law requirements while at the same time designing their market strategies with legal certainty.

The EU Digital Markets Act (DMA) (EU) 2022/1925 of 14 September 2022 and the German Digitisation Act place new demands on companies in the digital sector. They aim to prevent the abuse of market power by large technology companies and to promote competition on digital platforms. These regulations significantly influence how companies operate in the digital market and require existing compliance programmes to be adapted.

Preventive measures are crucial to minimise antitrust risks. Companies should develop tailored compliance programmes that rely on regular training, audits and risk assessments. A strong compliance programme ensures that companies are legally protected, use their competitive advantages lawfully and avoid potential fines or legal proceedings.

Violations of antitrust law result in heavy fines and serious legal consequences. In addition to financial losses, there can be significant reputational damage. Especially in highly regulated industries such as the digital market, it is essential to detect and prevent violations at an early stage.

Contact us for comprehensive advice on complying with antitrust law. We can help you build a strong compliance programme, minimise legal risks and secure your market position in the face of competition.