Index of competition law and policy topics:

About Us

BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre is a project of systematic strategic cooperation of BRICS competition authorities with academia with a purpose to develop unified approaches to antimonopoly regulation of innovative and socially important markets.
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Digital Era Competition BRICS Report Released

We are happy to present our Draft BRICS academic report on Digital Era Competition Law: A BRICS Perspective. Download. 
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THE REGULATION OF THE GLOBAL FOOD VALUE CHAIN: A BRICS PERSPECTIVE

The research project, prepared In the context of the BRICS competition authorities' cooperation, aims to provide the first in-depth analysis of the regulation, from a competition policy perspective, of the food industry by the BRICS countries, and selected developed countries (European Union, United States).
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Materials

  • Blog
  • News
  • Video
Alibaba fined 2,78 bil USD for anticompetitive practices
12.04.2021
Digital Markets
The US authorities have concluded an antitrust case against Qualcomm
03.04.2021
Digital Markets
“The transition to digitalization has made small and medium-sized enterprises even more vulnerable”
02.04.2021
Digital Markets
CADE imposes R $ 88 million fine in the automotive bearings market for cartel collusion
02.04.2021
Transportation
CADE's performance in the pandemic is marked by security measures and delivery of results to the market and society
29.03.2021
Pharmaceuticals
Bayer has allocated $ 5 million to develop a plant biotechnology centre at Skoltech
26.03.2021
Agriculture and Food
China has the potential to become be an example of digital platform antitrust regulation
26.03.2021
UNCTAD-UNECE Regional Policy Dialogue on the role of Competition Policy in supporting MSMEs economic recovery in the post COVID19 crisis
25.03.2021
FAS said the deal between Yandex.Taxi and "Vezet" can ave a negative effect on the market
25.03.2021
Digital Markets
Competition Commission of India orders a probe into WhatsApp's new privacy policy
24.03.2021
Digital Markets
China issued Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions
19.03.2021
Digital Markets
CADE prevents IFOOD from conducting new exclusivity contracts with restaurants
15.03.2021
China’s two sessions 2021: to strengthen antimonopoly efforts and prevent the disorderly expansion of capital
15.03.2021
Alexey Ivanov on Digital Platforms’ Role for Diversity
14.03.2021
Digital Markets
DIE JURNADA GLOBALNY DE LES LIBERTIES TECNOLOGICHE: PARA A DIGITAL HUMANISMUS
12.03.2021
Digital Markets
Alibaba might be issued with the largest fine in Chinese history
11.03.2021
Digital Markets
Cade will evaluate the operation between biopharmaceuticals AstraZeneca and Alexion
10.03.2021
Pharmaceuticals
FAS obliged Yandex to stop discriminating against competitors
03.03.2021
Digital Markets
CADE authorises the purchase of Plamed assets by Hapvida with restrictions
02.03.2021
Pharmaceuticals
China Zhejiang launches a platform supervision system
01.03.2021
South African Competition Commission is going to initiate an inquiry into digital markets
25.02.2021
CADE opens an investigation on alleged anti-competitive practice in the fuel resale market
22.02.2021
FAS: In the digitalising world, conscious consumption should determine the market
19.02.2021
Digital Markets
Director of the Centre at the Antimonopoly Forum
18.02.2021
Antitrust Guidelines for Platform Economy issued in China
18.02.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Happy New Year of Ox!
11.02.2021
China Tightens Antitrust Control of Tech Giants
09.02.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Anti-Cartel Working Group
05.02.2021
Cartels
Douyin files complaint against Tencent
05.02.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Cade ends cartel case in the auto parts market
04.02.2021
Yandex announced the purchase of the "Vezet" assets for $ 178 million
03.02.2021
Mergers Transportation
Alipay and WeChat Pay face structural separation?
26.01.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
CADE's president speaks about achievements and challenges in an interview with the OECD
25.01.2021
International Cooperation
Russian FAS imposed fine on Google
22.01.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Cade approves purchase of Takeda's portfolio of medicines by Hypera with restrictions
20.01.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
A complaint was filed against Yandex and Mail.ru for violation of competition
14.01.2021
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Economic Studies Department study estimates the benefits of CADE's performance in defence of competition.
04.01.2021
HSE Experts Propose Ways to Transform the Selection and Seed Industry in Russia
04.01.2021
Innovation Agriculture and Food
CADE approves, with restrictions, the purchase of assets from Sacel by Prosegur
30.12.2020
SAMR to investigate Alibaba for anticompetitive practices: Сommentary
30.12.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Amazon fined for not showing 'country of origin.'
26.12.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
China Launches Antitrust Investigation Against Alibaba
24.12.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
South African Competition Commission conditionally approves the Google/Fitbit merger
23.12.2020
Mergers Digital Markets
VI INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE "ANTIMONOPOLY POLICY: SCIENCE, PRACTICE, EDUCATION"
17.12.2020
Eleventh Meeting of the UNCTAD Research Partnership Platform
15.12.2020
International Cooperation
China Antimonopoly Bureau offered commentary on Alibaba, China Literature and Hive Box’s fines for unfiled concentration
14.12.2020
Mergers Digital Markets
CADE condemns cartel in tenders for the acquisition of mobile health units, medical and dental equipment.
11.12.2020
Cartels Digital Markets
Competition Policy and Access to Healthcare: Centre Participation
07.12.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
Access to Healthcare and Competition Policy
04.12.2020
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
FAS: Purchasing from a single supplier is only allowed if the purchased object is aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19
26.11.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
The European Commission fined Teva and Cephalon 60.5 million euros
25.11.2020
Cartels Pharmaceuticals
Interdepartmental Joint Meeting on fighting unfair competition established in China
20.11.2020
BRICS Competition Centre’s activities acknowledged by the XII BRICS Summit Moscow Declaration
17.11.2020
International Cooperation
The work of the BRICS Competition Centre is shaped through the requests of competition authorities
15.11.2020
International Cooperation
Maksim Shaskolsky appointed as a new head of FAS Russia
12.11.2020
CADE opens the secure room and reinforces data and information protection
11.11.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
Chinese SAMR to tighten up its oversight in platform economy
09.11.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Yanjing Polytechnic monopolized Internet services in the campus
04.11.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
The Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal proudly present the 14th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference
14th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference will be held on 3 and 4 November 2020. The conference topic is: “Competition In A Crisis: Competition Policy, Regulation And Enforcement In Unprecedented Times”.
02.11.2020
Innovation
Google violated the advertisement law of the Russian Federation
02.11.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Andrey Tsyganov: Cross-border cartels is a priority for UNCTAD for the next five years
29.10.2020
Cartels
Russian FAS is going to develop a unified approach for estimating the volumes of digital markets.
26.10.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
Cade launches notebook on cooperation with OECD
23.10.2020
International Cooperation
BRICS Competition Centre's Report presented on the Eighth UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection
22.10.2020
Cartels
China Ocean Development Bureau abuses administrative powers
20.10.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Agriculture and Food
Eighth United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection
19.10.2020
Cartels
Andrey Tsyganov: the rules for regulating the activities off digital giants will help to establish competition in this segment
16.10.2020
Russian FAS and the Russian Ministry of Health are developing a project which will prevent the disappearance of deficit medicines
14.10.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
CADE officials discuss fighting cartels in times of Covid-19 pandemic
09.10.2020
Cartels
Combatting Cross-Border Cartels: Empirical Study
08.10.2020
Google faces new antitrust case in India on smart TVs
06.10.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
Luckin Coffee fined CNY 61 mil for unfair competition
06.10.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
SAMR inspects unlawful marking as “government’s choice”
02.10.2020
Chinese National Day: congratulations!
01.10.2020
CADE fined Ceará association, clinics and hospitals R$ 27.5 million for anti-competitive practices
24.09.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
Russian FAS was awarded the honorary prize by the World Bank and ICN in a contest
23.09.2020
Spotify accuses Apple of non-competitive behaviour over the release of a single subscription to its Apple One services
21.09.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
FAS has proposed an updated version of the 5th antimonopoly package
18.09.2020
Innovation Energy
Bytedance refuses to sell TikTok US to Microsoft
14.09.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China to inspect the enforcement of competition law
14.09.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
Superintendence recommends condemnation of GRU Airport and fuel distributors for discrimination in the aviation kerosene market
10.09.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
Russian Association for Copyright Protection on the Internet accuses Google of tolerating book piracy
03.09.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
2019 Compilation of Antitrust Regulations and Guidance released in China
01.09.2020
FAS Russia Finds Apple Abusing Dominant Position in App Market
11.08.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
M&A activity in pharmaceutical markets in the first half of 2020
10.08.2020
Mergers Pharmaceuticals
Cade institutes Digital Transformation Plan
06.08.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
Video of the Virtual Worldwide Launch of the Book “Fighting Cross-Border Cartels: The Perspective of the Young and Small Competition Authorities”
04.08.2020
Cartels
China's potential antitrust probe into Alipay and WeChat Pay
03.08.2020
Presentation of the work of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at a meeting of the heads of competition authorities of the BRICS countries
24.07.2020
International Cooperation
Fighting Cross-Border Cartels through international cooperation in times of crisis
23.07.2020
Cartels
Fighting Cross-Border Cartels through international cooperation in times of crisis
22.07.2020
Cartels
Achievements and immediate plans to improve legislation were discussed in the Federation Council
17.07.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation
Cade revokes suspension of a partnership between Facebook and Cielo for payments by WhatsApp
16.07.2020
Innovation Digital Markets
FAS published recommendations for identification of cartels in the digital economy
15.07.2020
Cartels
FAS will file a case for the sale of express tests on COVID-19 in retail chains
14.07.2020
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
Cade's court will analyze the acquisition of Buscopan brand products by the pharmaceutical Hypera
13.07.2020
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
'Soft law' methods turned out to be most effective during a pandemic
09.07.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
Caprichem to pay R600 000 in a settlement
08.07.2020
Pharmaceuticals
CADE releases information note on collaboration between competitors to face the Covid-19 crisis
07.07.2020
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
FAS approved a temporary increase in registered prices of 8 manufacturers
06.07.2020
Cartels Pharmaceuticals
12.04.2021
news
Alibaba fined 2,78 bil USD for anticompetitive practices
On April 10 the State Administration for Market Regulation of China imposed 18,2 bil CNY (≈2,78 bil USD) fine on Alibaba Group for abusing its dominant position on Chinese market of online retail platforms. Such decision was made after thorough consideration of nature, degree and period of abuse.
Digital Markets
03.04.2021
news
The US authorities have concluded an antitrust case against Qualcomm
On Monday, March 29, the US Federal Trade Commission said it would not attempt to challenge last year's decision of the Supreme Court in the case of semiconductor manufacturer Qualcomm. Last year, a US appeals court ruled that the corporation did not violate antitrust laws. Yesterday's FTC announcement marks the end of Qualcomm's four-year antitrust case.
Digital Markets
02.04.2021
news
“The transition to digitalization has made small and medium-sized enterprises even more vulnerable”
The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre has become a partner of the UNCTAD-UNECE Regional Dialogue on the Role of Competition Policy in the Economic Recovery of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Digital Markets
02.04.2021
news
CADE imposes R $ 88 million fine in the automotive bearings market for cartel collusion
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense condemned SKF Brasil, SNR Rolamentos Brasil, for cartel practice in the automotive bearings market at the session on 31st of March. Altogether, the fines determined by the Court reach R $ 88.2 million.
Transportation
29.03.2021
news
CADE's performance in the pandemic is marked by security measures and delivery of results to the market and society
In March 2020, when the World Health Organization declared the new coronavirus pandemic, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense quickly mobilized to institute agile and assertive measures to guarantee a safe environment for all municipality employees and employees. A year passed, and during this period, the measures were consolidated, supported in a spirit of collective assistance and support.
Pharmaceuticals
26.03.2021
news
Bayer has allocated $ 5 million to develop a plant biotechnology centre at Skoltech
Bayer, an agro-technology company, has allocated $ 5 million to finance the plant biotechnology training and research centre, created on the basis of Skoltech. "The funds are intended to provide equipment for laboratories in Skoltech and partner universities, as well as for the implementation of educational programs according to the best world standards," the representatives from Center for Technology Transfer (CTT) of the Higher School of Economics said.
Agriculture and Food
26.03.2021
news
China has the potential to become be an example of digital platform antitrust regulation
"The director of BRICS Competition Centre was interviewed by the leading Chinese news agency Xinhua.
25.03.2021
news
FAS said the deal between Yandex.Taxi and "Vezet" can ave a negative effect on the market
The amount of the transaction does not require its approval by the antimonopoly authority. But the Federal Antimonopoly Service warns of risks to competition in such pooling of assets.
Digital Markets
24.03.2021
news
Competition Commission of India orders a probe into WhatsApp's new privacy policy
Recently, WhatsApp published information about new terms of service and a policy for processing user data, which had to be adopted by February 8, but due to the massive churn of users, the adoption of the new rules was postponed until May 15.
Digital Markets
19.03.2021
news
China issued Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions
New Measures for the Supervision and Administration of Online Transactions were presented by the State Administration for Market Regulation of China (the SAMR) on March 15 during the World’s Consumer Rights Day gala, broadcasted by the CCTV. The Measures are dedicated to provide more details on the implementation of China’s E-commerce Law, with the purpose to enforce regulation of internet transactions in order to guarantee legal interests of all parties, to accelerate healthy and sustainable development of digital economy.  
Digital Markets
15.03.2021
news
CADE prevents IFOOD from conducting new exclusivity contracts with restaurants
On the 10th of March, the Superintendency General of the Administrative Council of Economic Defense imposed a preventive measure against the IFOOD food delivery app. The company is now prevented from forming new contracts containing an exclusive agreement clause. IFOOD can also not alter arrangements already concluded without the clause of exclusivity to include the restrictive condition until the final decision on the case.
15.03.2021
news
China’s two sessions 2021: to strengthen antimonopoly efforts and prevent the disorderly expansion of capital
The simultaneous sessions of China’s two key political bodies – the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC) and the National People’s Congress (NPC) – took place last week in Beijing. Two annual sessions are considered the biggest political event as they indicate the government’s future goals and priorities for the entire year. During the meetings, the members of CPPCC consult and advise on the major directions of political activity, after that NPC passes national-level decisions.
14.03.2021
news
Alexey Ivanov on Digital Platforms’ Role for Diversity
The speech took place within the margins of the international online conference DIE JURNADA GLOBALNY DE LES LIBERTIES TECNOLOGICHE: PARA A DIGITAL HUMANISMUS, that was awarded with the medal from the President of the Italian Republic.
Digital Markets
11.03.2021
news
Alibaba might be issued with the largest fine in Chinese history
According to the Wall Street Journal's sources, Chinese antitrust regulators plan to fine Alibaba the largest amount in China's corporate history. It clarifies that it is likely to exceed $ 975 million, which Qualcomm paid in 2015. Furthermore, the company will be required to abandon the practice of "choose one of two", where the seller is pressured to either sell exclusively through one platform or be banned from it.
Digital Markets
10.03.2021
news
Cade will evaluate the operation between biopharmaceuticals AstraZeneca and Alexion
Administrative Council for Economic Defense published the concentration act's announcement involving the biopharmaceuticals AstraZeneca PLC and Alexion Pharmaceuticals in the Official Gazette on the 10th of March.
Pharmaceuticals
03.03.2021
news
FAS obliged Yandex to stop discriminating against competitors
The FAS Russia received allegations of violation of the antimonopoly legislation by Yandex LLC. The company's actions in the Internet search market contain signs of abuse of dominance.
Digital Markets
02.03.2021
news
CADE authorises the purchase of Plamed assets by Hapvida with restrictions
In the judgment session on the 24th of February, CADE approved, with restrictions, a concentration act that provides for the transfer of assets from Plamed to Hapvida. The authorisation of the operation was conditioned to the signing of a Concentration Control Agreement.
Pharmaceuticals
01.03.2021
news
China Zhejiang launches a platform supervision system
Recently the Administration for Market Regulation (the AMR) of Zhejiang Province (China) by the means of online supervision system successfully identified that on certain platforms some prices had been the same before the sale day or some goods were sold even cheaper than half-cost. The cases was immediately transferred to the investigation department.
25.02.2021
news
South African Competition Commission is going to initiate an inquiry into digital markets
The Competition Commission of South Africa has resolved to conduct a market inquiry into Online Intermediation Platforms, as the Commission believes that current market features impede, distort, or restrict competition amongst the platforms themselves.
22.02.2021
news
CADE opens an investigation on alleged anti-competitive practice in the fuel resale market
The General Superintendence of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense initiated an administrative inquiry on the 19th of February to investigate possible collusive conduct in the fuel resale market related to price increases in all states of the Federation.
19.02.2021
news
FAS: In the digitalising world, conscious consumption should determine the market
The more literate the consumer, the more favourable the conditions for the formation of a competitive market are.
Digital Markets
18.02.2021
news
Director of the Centre at the Antimonopoly Forum
Alexey Ivanov's speech opened the Antimopoly Forum at a business breakfast on the 18th of February.
18.02.2021
news
Antitrust Guidelines for Platform Economy issued in China
At the backdrop of the rapid growth of platform economy and the development of new services and business models, the antitrust regulation is challenged by new forms of anticompetitive behavior. In order to protect fair competition and consumer rights, to promote healthy development of platforms, to encourage innovations and scientific regulation approach, the Antimonopoly Committee of the State Council of China issued the Antitrust Guidelines for Platform Economy (“the Guidelines”). The Guidelines are based on the Antimonopoly Law of China (“the AML”) and dedicated to clarify the principles of antitrust regulation in the context of digital industry.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
11.02.2021
news
Happy New Year of Ox!
This year on February 12th we celebrate the beginning of a new year on the lunar calendar – the Spring Festival. Not just a new year begins, the spring season comes, bringing new life to nature and new inspiration to people.
09.02.2021
news
China Tightens Antitrust Control of Tech Giants
On the 7th of February, SAMR has issued new guidelines on the platform economy business' activity that formalized an antitrust bill issued in November. These new rules target the largest internet platforms and are intended to clarify a number of monopolistic practices that regulators are preparing to tackle.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
05.02.2021
news
Anti-Cartel Working Group
On February 4, 2021, the first meeting of the UNCTAD Anti-Cartel Working Group took place. The meeting was attended by Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Antimonopoly Center, and Anna Pozdnyakova, Research Fellow of the Center.
Cartels
05.02.2021
news
Douyin files complaint against Tencent
On February 2, Bytedance’s video app Douyin (Chinese version of Tiktok) officially complained to Beijing IP Court against Tencent’s monopolistic practices. The case attracted much attention both in China and abroad, being a first antimonopoly complaint in the internet industry since the release of Draft Antitrust Guidelines for Platform Economy (to solicit public opinion).
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
04.02.2021
news
Cade ends cartel case in the auto parts market
On the 2nd of February CADE has ended, a process involving cartel in the automotive aftermarket and original parts (Original Equipment Manufacturer or OEM) markets.
03.02.2021
news
Yandex announced the purchase of the "Vezet" assets for $ 178 million
Yandex.Taxi announced the purchase of part of the "Vezet" Group's assets for $ 178 million. Earlier, FAS blocked the deal, but now the parties claim that they have revised its structure and there is no longer a need to request permission for it.
Mergers Transportation
26.01.2021
news
Alipay and WeChat Pay face structural separation?
On January 20, the People’s Bank of China released the Draft Regulations for Non-Banking Payment Systems to solicit public opinion. The Draft Regulations set a ‘red line’ for third-party payment platforms and are widely considered an antitrust measure, ‘aimed directly at tech giants’.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
25.01.2021
news
CADE's president speaks about achievements and challenges in an interview with the OECD
President of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense, Alexandre Barreto, gave an interview to the Regional Competition Center of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in Latin America. During the conversation, which was published in the December 2020 newsletter, Barreto addressed the municipality's achievements in recent years and issues such as national cooperation and challenges arising from the pandemic.
International Cooperation
22.01.2021
news
Russian FAS imposed fine on Google
Russian FAS has imposed fine on Google based on paragraph 7 of Article 7 of the Law on Advertising, which forbids the advertising of goods for the production and (or) sale of which a license or other special permits are required, in the absence of such permits.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
20.01.2021
news
Cade approves purchase of Takeda's portfolio of medicines by Hypera with restrictions
Administrative Council for Economic Defense approved the acquisition of a set of medicines from Takeda Pharmaceuticals International by Hypera on the 20t of January. The deal involves the holding and commercialization, by Hypera, of product lines such as Dramin, Nebacetin, Neosaldina, Eparema, Xantinon, Nenê-Dent, Albocresil, Venalot, Ad-Til, Alektos and Nesina. The endorsement of the operation was conditioned to the signing of an agreement, which removes competitive concerns.
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
14.01.2021
news
A complaint was filed against Yandex and Mail.ru for violation of competition
The Eurasian Economic Commission received statements regarding the potential signs of violation of antimonopoly legislation by Yandex and Mail.ru.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
04.01.2021
news
Economic Studies Department study estimates the benefits of CADE's performance in defence of competition.
On the 30th of December 2020, Economic Studies Department of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense released the working document titled - "Measuring the expected benefits of CADE's performance in 2019".
04.01.2021
news
HSE Experts Propose Ways to Transform the Selection and Seed Industry in Russia
Experts from the National Research University Higher School of Economics (NRU HSE) have developed a ten-step plan for the transformation of the selection and seed industry in Russia, aimed at increasing the competitiveness of the agro-industrial complex. A corresponding report entitled "Selection 2.0" was presented at a round table in the "Rossiyskaya Gazeta" with the participation of heads of breeding companies and specialised state institutions.
Innovation Agriculture and Food
30.12.2020
news
CADE approves, with restrictions, the purchase of assets from Sacel by Prosegur
On the 21st of December 2020, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense approved with restrictions the acquisition of assets of Sacel - Surveillance and Securities Transportation Services by Prosegur.
30.12.2020
news
SAMR to investigate Alibaba for anticompetitive practices: Сommentary
The State Administration for Market Regulation of China announced on December 24 that it had launched an antitrust investigation into Alibaba Group for the alleged forcing of exclusive dealing, so called “either-or” choice.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
26.12.2020
news
Amazon fined for not showing 'country of origin.'
The Indian government has imposed a penalty for not providing mandatory information about the products sold on its platform by Amazon, the leading e-commerce sector company.
Innovation Digital Markets
24.12.2020
news
China Launches Antitrust Investigation Against Alibaba
Alibaba was suspected of violating antitrust laws. Regulators are exploring the company's "forced exclusivity" policy, particularly Alibaba's requirement for partners not to work with its competitors.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
23.12.2020
news
South African Competition Commission conditionally approves the Google/Fitbit merger
On the 22nd of December 2020 South African Competition Commission has released a statement that confirms it as conditionally approved the proposed merger in which Google intends to acquire Fitbit. This merger is also being declared to and reviewed by competition commissions in several jurisdictions, including the EU, USA, Australia, Canada and Japan.
Mergers Digital Markets
15.12.2020
news
Eleventh Meeting of the UNCTAD Research Partnership Platform
On December 10, the first session 11th Meeting of the UNCTAD Research Partnership Platform took place via video conference: the distinguished experts discussed the role of competition policy, shared their views and exchanged opinions on whether and how competition policy could complement industrial policy and other economic recovery measures being taken. Under the global impact of COVID-19 pandemic, the governments and agencies of every country, including developing ones, have been trying to implement economic and health measures in order to protect their economies, businesses and consumers, and the RPP discussion was mainly dedicated to the role of competition policy in a fair and inclusive economic recovery.
International Cooperation
14.12.2020
news
China Antimonopoly Bureau offered commentary on Alibaba, China Literature and Hive Box’s fines for unfiled concentration
On December 14, the State Administration for Market Regulation of China (SAMR) published the administrative decisions on Alibaba, China Literature and Hive Box, which had completed economic concentrations with no approval of the supervisory authority: all three companies were fined 500,000 RMB (≈76,500 USD) each for undeclared M&A transaction. The responsible officers of the SAMR Antimonopoly Bureau agreed to provide their commentary on the matter.
Mergers Digital Markets
11.12.2020
news
CADE condemns cartel in tenders for the acquisition of mobile health units, medical and dental equipment.
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense convicted seven companies and two individuals for involvement in a cartel that defrauded the competitive nature of municipal public tenders, held across the country, for the acquisition of Mobile Health Units, medical and dental equipment. The majority of the Court rendered the decision during the trial session on the 9th of December.
Cartels Digital Markets
07.12.2020
news
Competition Policy and Access to Healthcare: Centre Participation
On the occasion of World Competition Day CUTS International and CUTS Institute for Regulation & Competition (CIRC) held a webinar, which discussed Competition Policy and Access to Healthcare. The session was moderated by Rashid S. Kaukab, Executive Director, CUTS International, Geneva.
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
26.11.2020
news
FAS: Purchasing from a single supplier is only allowed if the purchased object is aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19
The arbitration tribunal supported the FAS in a dispute with a customer who entered into a contract for the construction of a fitness centre with a single supplier, citing the prevention of the spread of COVID-19.
Dominance & Monopolisation
25.11.2020
news
The European Commission fined Teva and Cephalon 60.5 million euros
The European Commission fined pharmaceutical companies Teva and Cephalon € 60.5 million for a mutual agreement between the companies to delay the market launch of a cheaper generic version of Cephalon's sleep disorder drug, modafinil, for several years after expiration major Cephalon patents. The fines imposed by the Commission on Teva and Cephalon are € 30 million and € 30.5 million, respectively.
Cartels Pharmaceuticals
20.11.2020
news
Interdepartmental Joint Meeting on fighting unfair competition established in China
On November 12 the General Office of the State Council officially established the first Chinese Interdepartmental Joint Meeting System on fighting the unfair competition.
17.11.2020
news
BRICS Competition Centre’s activities acknowledged by the XII BRICS Summit Moscow Declaration
The 12th BRICS leaders summit was held on November 17 via videoconference chaired by the Russian President Vladimir Putin.  
International Cooperation
15.11.2020
news
The work of the BRICS Competition Centre is shaped through the requests of competition authorities
One of the key topics on the agenda of the meeting of the BRICS Coordination Committee on Antimonopoly policy held on November 12, was the discussion of the prospects for cooperation between the BRICS competition authorities and the BRICS Competition Centre.
International Cooperation
12.11.2020
news
Maksim Shaskolsky appointed as a new head of FAS Russia
Prime Minister Mikhail Mishustin appointed Igor Artemyev, who previously headed the Federal Antimonopoly Service, as his assistant.
11.11.2020
news
CADE opens the secure room and reinforces data and information protection
In order to offer even more security and protection to data, information and documents that are being processed by the municipality, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense opened the safe room for Information and Communication Technology on the 10th of November.
Innovation Digital Markets
09.11.2020
news
Chinese SAMR to tighten up its oversight in platform economy
On November 6, three Chinese authorities – the State Administration for Market Regulation (the SAMR), the Cyberspace Administration and the State Taxation Administration – held a joint advisory meeting on the effective regulation of digital economy. The meeting was also attended by China’s 27 leading tech companies, including JD.com, Meituan, Alibaba, Bytedance, DiDi, Kuaishou etc.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
04.11.2020
news
Yanjing Polytechnic monopolized Internet services in the campus
In the past few years Chinese state authorities have been continuously implementing the “Speed up, fees down” policy in regards to the Internet services. However, the exact opposite behavior was noticed by the Inspection Group of the State Council of China in Yanjing Polytechnic University.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
02.11.2020
news
The Competition Commission and Competition Tribunal proudly present the 14th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference
14th Annual Competition Law, Economics and Policy Conference will be held on 3 and 4 November 2020. The conference topic is: “Competition In A Crisis: Competition Policy, Regulation And Enforcement In Unprecedented Times”.
Innovation
02.11.2020
news
Google violated the advertisement law of the Russian Federation
The search engine website advertised the investment services of Rypex trading limited, which does not have a license for financial activities.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
29.10.2020
news
Andrey Tsyganov: Cross-border cartels is a priority for UNCTAD for the next five years
A round table on combating cross-border cartels was held within the framework of the 8th UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection. The initiative to have a round table was proposed by the FAS Russia and supported by the UNCTAD Secretariat and UN member states during the 18th session of the UNCTAD Interstate Group of Experts (IGE) on Competition Law and Policy, held in July 2019 in Geneva.
Cartels
26.10.2020
news
Russian FAS is going to develop a unified approach for estimating the volumes of digital markets.
The unified approach can form the basis for revising the Procedure for analyzing the state of competition in commodity markets in order to take into account the specifics of the functioning of digital platforms.
Innovation Digital Markets
23.10.2020
news
Cade launches notebook on cooperation with OECD
CADE launched the CADE OECD Notebook on 21st of October. The publication presents the history of cooperation between Brazil and the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, mainly concerning the performance of the autarchy as an associate member of the entity's Competition Committee.

International Cooperation
22.10.2020
news
BRICS Competition Centre's Report presented on the Eighth UN Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection
On October 22, the Round Table Meeting on combatting cross-border cartels was held jointly by the Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia and the BRICS Competition Centre in the framework of the Eighth United Nations Review Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection. The meeting was moderated by FAS representatives Andrey Tsyganov and Lesya Davydova, who introduced the speakers, addressed the questions and solicited opinions.
Cartels
20.10.2020
news
China Ocean Development Bureau abuses administrative powers
This May the Administration for Market Regulation (the AMR) of Shandong Province (East China) launched an investigation into the local Ocean Development Bureau, which had reportedly abused its administrative powers to restrict competition.
Dominance & Monopolisation Agriculture and Food
19.10.2020
news
Eighth United Nations Conference on Competition and Consumer Protection
On October, 22 together with FAS Russia BRICS Competition Centre is organizing Round table on Combatting cross-border cartels at the Eighth United Nations Conference to Review All Aspects of the Set of Multilaterally Agreed Equitable Principles and Rules for the Control of Restrictive Business Practices
Cartels
16.10.2020
news
Andrey Tsyganov: the rules for regulating the activities off digital giants will help to establish competition in this segment
This point of view was expressed by the Deputy Head of the FAS Russia, speaking at a round table in the framework of the XV All-Russian Science Festival at the Faculty of Economics of Moscow State University. M.V. Lomonosov.
14.10.2020
news
Russian FAS and the Russian Ministry of Health are developing a project which will prevent the disappearance of deficit medicines
The document aims to ensure the availability of inexpensive essential drugs for patients.

The Russian competition commission, together with the Russian Ministry of Health, is working on a document that allows indexing prices for vital drugs, the production of which has become unprofitable.
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
09.10.2020
news
CADE officials discuss fighting cartels in times of Covid-19 pandemic
The role of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense in combating cartels during the current context of the COVID-19 pandemic was the subject of a debate held on 8th o October. Discussions on the topic marked the fourth day of the National Week to Combat Cartels (NWCC), an event that has brought together authorities and experts in antitrust policy to address best practices against anti-competitive conduct.
Cartels
08.10.2020
news
Combatting Cross-Border Cartels: Empirical Study
06.10.2020
news
Google faces new antitrust case in India on smart TVs
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is investigating a complaint stating that Google misused its dominant market position in the smart television operating systems market.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
06.10.2020
news
Luckin Coffee fined CNY 61 mil for unfair competition
As declared by the State Administration for Market Regulation (SAMR) of China, Luckin Coffee (a Chinese coffeehouse chain) was accused of false publicity that misled the public.
Dominance & Monopolisation
02.10.2020
news
SAMR inspects unlawful marking as “government’s choice”
The State Administration for Market Regulation (“SAMR”) launched a targeted inspection of goods, sold or promoted online as “government’s choice”.
01.10.2020
news
Chinese National Day: congratulations!
24.09.2020
news
CADE fined Ceará association, clinics and hospitals R$ 27.5 million for anti-competitive practices
On 23rd of September, the Administrative Council for Economic Defense (CADE) condemned the Association of Hospitals of the State of Ceará (Ahece), for inducing uniform conduct, and nine clinics and hospitals, for the practice of cartel in the market of medical and hospital services in Fortaleza (CE). Due to the anti-competitive conduct, the convicts will have to pay a total of R $ 27.5 million in fines.
Dominance & Monopolisation
23.09.2020
news
Russian FAS was awarded the honorary prize by the World Bank and ICN in a contest
The ceremony of awarding the winners and honorary winners was held on September 22, 2020, in an online format.
21.09.2020
news
Spotify accuses Apple of non-competitive behaviour over the release of a single subscription to its Apple One services
The streaming service is unhappy with the single subscription update, which was unveiled on the 15th of September. The Swedish company believes that it creates a non-competitive environment. This is not the first time Apple was accused of non-competitive behaviour. Other companies also oppose Apple's policies, including Epic Games and Telegram.
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
18.09.2020
news
FAS has proposed an updated version of the 5th antimonopoly package
+Given the development of new technologies and in pursuance of the instruction to improve antitrust regulation in the digital economy, which was given by the President of the Russian Federation in the National Plan for the Development of Competition for 2018-2020, the FAS Russia has prepared new legislative initiatives to amend the Law on the Protection of Competition and the Code Of the Russian Federation on administrative offences ("the fifth antimonopoly package").
Innovation Energy
14.09.2020
news
Bytedance refuses to sell TikTok US to Microsoft
On September 13, Microsoft posted the following statement on its Official Blog:
ByteDance let us know today they would not be selling TikTok’s US operations to Microsoft. We are confident our proposal would have been suitable for TikTok’s users while protecting national security interests.    
Innovation Digital Markets
14.09.2020
news
The Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China to inspect the enforcement of competition law
On September 11, the Competition Law Enforcement Inspection Group of the Standing Committee of the National People’s Congress of China held the first plenary meeting in Beijing National People’s Congress Hall. The group intends to inspect and control the enforcement of the Anti-Unfair Competition Law in order to strengthen the effective implementation of competition legislation, to encourage the establishment of the open and competitive market system and to provide the competitive environment on the market with legal guarantees
Dominance & Monopolisation
10.09.2020
news
Superintendence recommends condemnation of GRU Airport and fuel distributors for discrimination in the aviation kerosene market
In an order signed on the 10th of September, the General Superintendence of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense recommended to the local authority court the condemnation of Air BP Brasil, BR Distribuidora, Raízen Combustíveis and the International Airport Concessionaire Guarulhos (GRU Airport) for anti-competitive practice in the aviation kerosene distribution market.
Dominance & Monopolisation
03.09.2020
news
Russian Association for Copyright Protection on the Internet accuses Google of tolerating book piracy
Russian Association for Copyright Protection on the Internet, which represents the Russian largest book publishers, such as Eksmo-AST, Azbuka-Attikus, Alpina Digital etc., sent a letter to EU Commissioner for Competition Margrethe Vestager, demanding to charge Google for abusing its dominant position on the market
Dominance & Monopolisation Digital Markets
01.09.2020
news
2019 Compilation of Antitrust Regulations and Guidance released in China
11.08.2020
news
FAS Russia Finds Apple Abusing Dominant Position in App Market
The company is deemed to be restricting competition in the tech market, and stifling the route to market of a parental control app.
Innovation Digital Markets
10.08.2020
blog
M&A activity in pharmaceutical markets in the first half of 2020
During a challenging year, M&A activity in pharmaceutical markets was lower than experts estimated. Also, there were not many megadeals in Q1 and Q2 compared with 2019 (where the value of the largest deal was $99.5 billion). The biggest deals in the first half of 2020 were Thermo Fisher Scientific / Qiagen ($11.5 billion, COVID-19), Gilead Sciences / Forty Seven ($4.9 billion, oncology), Gilead Sciences / Pionyr Immunotherapeutics ($1.7 billion, oncology), Novo Nordisk / Corvidia ($2.1 billion, cardiometabolic diseases), Eli Lilly / Dermira ($1.1 billion, immunology, dermatology).
Mergers Pharmaceuticals
Olga Gavrilova
Expert at the BRICS Competition Centre
06.08.2020
news
Cade institutes Digital Transformation Plan
The president of CADE, Alexandre Barreto, signed at a ceremony held on 3rd of August, the Digital Transformation Plan of the 2020/2021. The document aims to establish guidelines to expand CADE's performance in offering digital solutions for services provided to society, as well as promoting the reduction of infrastructure costs.
Innovation Digital Markets
04.08.2020
video
Video of the Virtual Worldwide Launch of the Book “Fighting Cross-Border Cartels: The Perspective of the Young and Small Competition Authorities”
Cartels
03.08.2020
news
China's potential antitrust probe into Alipay and WeChat Pay
According to Reuters, China's antitrust authority is considering an investigation of Alipay and WeChat Pay at the initiative of the central bank, which claims the digital payment giants have used their dominant positions to suppress competitors.
24.07.2020
news
Presentation of the work of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre at a meeting of the heads of competition authorities of the BRICS countries
The heads of the BRICS countries' competition authorities met in a new online format. Alexey Ivanov, Director of the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre, made a presentation on the work of the Centre.
International Cooperation
23.07.2020
news
Fighting Cross-Border Cartels through international cooperation in times of crisis
On 22nd of July the BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre has organised a webinar that seeks to understand how international cooperation among competition authorities (particularly in developing countries) in times of crisis (e.g. 2008 financial crisis and 2019 COVID19) can be instrumental in the fight against cross-border cartels forming as a result of the crisis-related business activities. The book “Fighting Cross-Border Cartels: The Perspective of the Young and Small Competition Authorities” (March, 2020 by Hart Publishers)  written by the Dr Pierre Horna, Legal Affairs Officer, UNCTAD's Competition and Consumer Policies Branch served as a basis for reflexion to explore how developing countries can effectively detect and sanction cartels that have cross border reach.
Cartels
17.07.2020
news
Achievements and immediate plans to improve legislation were discussed in the Federation Council
During a round table, Deputy Head of the FAS Russia Sergey Puzyrevsky spoke about the measures taken by the service to create a favourable competitive environment and protect entrepreneurship in current economic conditions and congratulated everyone on the 30th anniversary of the antimonopoly authorities in Russia. The event took place at the Federation Council of the Federal Assembly of the Russian Federation.
Dominance & Monopolisation
16.07.2020
news
Cade revokes suspension of a partnership between Facebook and Cielo for payments by WhatsApp

The Administrative Council for Economic Defense revoked a precautionary measure that suspended the partnership between Facebook and Cielo that intended to make payments via WhatsApp viable. The companies recently presented information to the municipality that removed the competition concerns identified at first, which is why CADE decided to revoke the previous decision. CADE, however, is still analyzing whether or not companies should notify the operation to the local authority.

Innovation Digital Markets
15.07.2020
news
FAS published recommendations for identification of cartels in the digital economy
The document was prepared as part of the implementation of an interdepartmental program of measures to identify and suppress cartels and other agreements restricting competition for 2019-2023.
Cartels
14.07.2020
news
FAS will file a case for the sale of express tests on COVID-19 in retail chains
The Federal Antimonopoly Service of Russia plans to initiate a case for the sale of express tests for coronavirus to the population in retail chains, testing for COVID-19 should be carried out by specialists, said the head of the department Igor Artemyev.
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
13.07.2020
news
Cade's court will analyze the acquisition of Buscopan brand products by the pharmaceutical Hypera
The General Superintendence of the Administrative Council for Economic Defense sent the merger act for analysis by the autarchy court regarding the acquisition, by the pharmaceutical company Hypera, of the development, manufacture, marketing, distribution and sale of the Buscopan product family in Brazil - currently owned by Boehringer Ingelheim International.
Innovation Pharmaceuticals
09.07.2020
news
'Soft law' methods turned out to be most effective during a pandemic
FAS Russia Deputy Head Andrey Tsyganov spoke about the activities of the antimonopoly service during the COVID-19 crisis and discussed the development of competition with experts and representatives of Russian companies
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
08.07.2020
news
Caprichem to pay R600 000 in a settlement
The Competition Commission of South Africa has announced that it welcomes the decision of the Competition Tribunal that confirms the settlement agreement between the Commission and Cape Town-based company - Caprichem.
Pharmaceuticals
07.07.2020
news
CADE releases information note on collaboration between competitors to face the Covid-19 crisis
The Administrative Council for Economic Defense has published a brief information note in which it deals with the collaboration between companies in the face of the Covid-19 crisis. The document provides guidance on the parameters recommended in the elaboration of strategies to combat the pandemic and on the procedures available for economic agents to obtain CADE's statement.
Dominance & Monopolisation Pharmaceuticals
06.07.2020
news
FAS approved a temporary increase in registered prices of 8 manufacturers
The issues of price regulation for vital medicines remains a heated issue for all participants in the healthcare system especially when it comes to the mechanisms that are necessary to ensure the presence of drugs on the pharmaceutical market.
Cartels Pharmaceuticals
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Member Countries

Administrative Council for Economic Defense
B
Federal Antimonopoly Service of the Russian Federation
R
Competition Commission of India
I
State Market Regulatory Administration
C
Competition Commission South Africa
S

About the project

Joint Research Platform
BRICS Competition Innovation Law&Policy Joint Research Platform is a project of systematic strategic cooperation of BRICS competition authorities with academia with a purpose to develop unified approaches to antimonopoly regulation of innovative and socially important markets.
The BRICS Competition Law and Policy Centre (BRICS Competition Centre) project was initiated and is coordinated by the Skolkovo - Higher School of Economics Institute for Law and Development, a Moscow-based international think tank. The aim of the BRICS Competition Centre is to provide the meeting point for BRICS competition law research, ensure the scientific support the work of BRICS competition authorities and to promote a distinct BRICS competition law agenda for the global economy. The BRICS Competition Centre collaborates with a number of partner institutions worldwide and relies on a group of internationally known competition law and policy experts, public intellectuals, industry and technology leaders. 

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