The international dimensions of competition law and policy are most often examined at the level of substantive law. In this legal area both intentional and spontaneous assimilation and harmonization trends can be recognized, which manifest themselves e.g. in comparable approaches to combating particularly harmful restraints (so-called "hardcore cartels"). However, the complex terrain of enforcement law has been mainly ignored up to date. Are there common approaches in this field as well? How are the various competition laws linked with each other in respect to procedural norms? This book conceptualizes "International Competition Enforcement Law" against the backdrop of these issues and at the level of comparative law. The ciphers "cooperation" and "convergence" will serve as the two principle ideas for this book.

The Research Handbook on International Competition Law brings together leading academics, practitioners and competition officials to discuss the most recent developments in international competition law and policy. This comprehensive Handbook explores the dynamics of international cooperation and national enforcement. It identifies initiatives that led to the current state of collaboration and also highlights current and future challenges. The Handbook features twenty-two contributions on topical subjects including: competition in developed and developing economies, enforcement trends, advocacy and regional and multinational cooperation. In addition, selected areas of law are explored from a comparative perspective. These include intellectual property and competition law, the pharmaceutical industry, merger control worldwide and the application of competition law to agreements and dominant market position. Presenting an overview of the current state of cooperation and convergence as well as a comparative analysis of substance and procedure, this authoritative Handbook will prove an invaluable reference tool for academics, competition officials and practitioners who focus on international competition law.

The study outlines the status quo of international cooperation in competition law matters. This is done by examining, in chronological order, the various approaches of the many multi- and bi-lateral international agreements that have attempted to solve the problems of competition law (WTO, GATT, etc.). Subsequently, the focus of this thesis is on the analysis of bilateral trade agreements. Within the framework of this analysis, the potential of trade agreements for competition law cooperation is to be shown. For this reason, only those bilateral trade agreements are analyzed that deal with the topic of regulatory cooperation in competition law in specially provided competition chapters. In doing so, the different stages of cooperation will be analyzed along the different integration phases of any trade agreements. The highest form of trade agreement integration – customs unions – will be dealt with separately, using the EU as an example.

In a short span of years, the landscape of global competition has changed significantly. In particular, international cooperation in competition law enforcement has greatly strengthened the battle against abuse of dominance, cartels, anticompetitive mergers and related political corruption. This thoroughly researched book explains the current situation regarding joint investigations, identifies common problems and considers possible solutions and future developments. In addition to covering issues of competition policy, its authors look in detail at practice in both merger and conduct investigations in a variety of countries.

The Future of International Competition Law Enforcement undertakes an original assessment of the EU's international cooperation agreements in the field of competition law and is uniquely focused on the bilateral sphere, often labelled as a mere 'interim-solution' awaiting a global agreement.

This book collects experience, initiatives, and insights from thirty-two contributors associated with competition enforcement agencies in Europe and the rapidly emerging economic powerhouse of Brazil. Among the issues and topics covered are the following:0- to what extent competition agencies rely on international cooperation in their daily work;0- what legal frameworks and regulatory systems underlie this cooperation;0- what works well and where there is room for improvement;0- participation of nongovernmental advisors (NGAs) from the business, professional, and academic milieus;0- how competition agencies get to be recognized by the government and the legislature as a source of expertise; and0- how to trigger advocacy on legislation.0Throughout, particular attention is paid to the ongoing work of the International Competition Network (ICN), the European Cooperation Network (ECN), and the Brazilian Administrative Council for Economic Defence (CADE).0Relying on an effects-based approach, these essays seek to foster international cooperation and facilitate effective international cooperation to the benefit of member agencies, consumers, and economies worldwide. Underlining the important thesis that international cooperation is a key element for convergence and for the future success of competition law enforcement, the book take a giant step towards demonstrating how the anti-cartel struggle can be supported and facilitated, and how fair cooperation in multijurisdictional mergers can be achieved. Practitioners, policymakers, and officials dedicated to the enhancement of competition laws worldwide will turn to this volume for years to come.0.