System upgrade? Vertical agreements in the digital age

Created for a world in which e-commerce was still a relatively recent phenomenon, the future of the Vertical Block Exemption Regulation and the European Commission’s 2010 Guidelines on Vertical Restraints is now under review. The Commission is gathering evidence to determine whether the current rules should lapse, continue or be adapted to reflect market developments, such as the increased importance of online sales and the emergence of online platforms. Businesses with an interest in the outcome of the review may want to make their views known in the Commission’s public consultation, which will last until 27 May 2019.