Intro
Preface
Contents
About the Author
Abbreviations
List of Figures
List of Tables
1: EU Competition Law at a Glance
1.1 Why EU Competition Law Matters
1.2 Where EU Competition Law Matters
1.2.1 European Union
1.2.2 European Economic Area
1.2.3 Parallel Application of EU and National Competition Laws
1.2.4 Switzerland
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
Example
1.2.5 UK
Pan-European Distribution Systems
1.2.6 Rest of the World
Competition Compliance Checks

1.3 The Principle: Prohibition of Anti-competitive Agreements
1.4 Agreements Outside Article 101 TFEU
1.4.1 Agreements Between SME
Competition Compliance for SMEs
1.4.2 Agreements of Only Local Effect
1.4.3 Agreements of Minor Importance
1.4.3.1 De Minimis Notice: Thresholds
1.4.3.2 The Market Definition Notice
1.4.4 Agreements Based on State Action
1.4.5 Agency Agreements
Contract Drafting Advice
Example
1.4.6 Intercompany Agreements
Single Economic Unit
1.4.7 Agreements with Ancillary Restraints
1.4.8 Subcontracting Agreements

1.4.9 Selective Distribution Systems Complying with ``Metro ́́
1.5 Block Exemptions as Safe Harbour
1.6 Outside the VBER: The Article 101(3) TFEU Exception
Appendix: Test Scheme for Vertical Agreements Under Swiss Law
References
2: VBER 2022: The Safe Harbour for Distribution Agreements
The Basic Test of Exemption Under the VBER
2.1 Article 2 VBER: Exemption for Vertical Restraints
2.2 Structure, Definitions, and Players of the VBER
2.3 Exemption of Vertical Restraints: Principal Scope
Example
Example
2.4 Exemption of Vertical Restraints: Re-Exceptions/Limits

2.4.1 Agreements with Associations, Article 2(2) and Article 9 VBER
2.4.2 Agreements on Intellectual Property Rights, Article 2(3) VBER
2.4.3 Dual Distribution: Agreements of Competitors, Article 2(3) VBER
2.5 Information Exchange in Dual Distribution, Article 2(5) VBER
2.6 Hybrid Online Platforms, Article 2(6) VBER
2.7 Priority of other Block Exemption Regulations
References
3: Articles 3 and 8 VBER: Market Share Thresholds
3.1 The Thresholds
3.2 How to Determine the Relevant Markets
References
4: Article 4 VBER: Hardcore Restrictions-Black Clauses

4.1 How (Not) to Restrict the Buyerś Sale Price
4.1.1 Whatś New for Price Maintenance?
4.1.2 The Principle: RRP Yes, RPM and MAP No
4.1.3 The Exception: Short-Time Measures, Efficiency Gains
Example
4.1.4 Special Case: Agency Agreements
4.1.5 Special Case: Fulfilment (Multi-Level Distribution)
4.1.6 Practical Tips for the Exchange on Pricing
4.2 Exclusive Distribution Systems
4.2.1 Whatś New for Exclusive Distribution?
4.2.2 Restricting Active Versus Passive Sales
Example
Example
Example
4.2.3 Shared Exclusivity