Hold onto your ledgers, dear readers! Today we’re diving into the riveting world of abuse of a dominant position. Whether you’re secretly rooting for the little guy or you’re fascinated by corporate titans, this one’s for you!
Dominant Position: The King of the Market Castle
Picture this: You’re the king or queen of your very own market castle. You’ve captured more market share than any of your competitors, usually more than 40% in at least one country in the European Union. Sounds powerful, right? Well, with great power comes… you guessed it, great responsibility (and legal scrutiny).
Anticompetitive Charades: More Than Just Mischief 🤡
Now, there are ethical kings and there are “let’s bend the rules” kings. The latter might get tempted to partake in some rather mischievous activities. Unlike boozy Renaissance fairs, anticompetitive practices aren’t tolerated, especially under Article 102 of the Treaty of the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU) and the UK Competition Act of 1998.
Let’s break down some classic moves from the Misbehaving Monarch’s Playbook:
- Refusing to Supply Existing Customers: Imagine telling your loyal subjects,