Competition law ensures fair and effective competition. The underlying idea is that in a well-functioning, competitive market, consumers can benefit from more choice, better quality and/or lower prices.

European and national competition laws introduce obligations for undertakings not to distort competition. These include the cartel prohibition, the prohibition on abuse of a dominant position, and merger control. Competition law is complemented by (sector-specific) economic regulation, consumer protection rules and rules directed at governments, such as the state aid rules and the Dutch Act on Government and Free Markets.

A good competition lawyer has an affinity with the economy and how businesses work. The lawyers at bureau Brandeis are closely involved in (market) developments and have extensive experience with (competition law) regulators, such as the Dutch Authority for Consumers & Markets (ACM), the European Commission and the Human Environment and Transport Inspectorate (in Dutch: Inspectie Leefomgeving en Transport). They advise companies in various compliance matters, assist them in enforcement cases, merger proceedings, and provide immediate support during unannounced inspections (dawn raids) by regulators. In doing so, they also regularly litigate before the European General Court and the Court of Justice. The Competition team of bureau Brandeis also regularly advises on sector-specific regulation, for example regarding telecommunications, aviation, media, agriculture, fintech, transport & mobility, postal & parcels, and digital platforms (such as the Digital Markets Act).

In addition to administrative enforcement proceedings, competition law can also play a role in civil stand-alone and follow-on proceedings before national courts. The lawyers of bureau Brandeis have in-depth knowledge of and experience with complex issues touching on private enforcement of competition law. For instance, the competition team of bureau Brandeis is involved in many leading civil follow-on (cartel) damages cases.