2024 was marked by a notable acceleration in long-running follow-on litigation, along with the emergence of fundamental preliminary reference questions that go to the core of competition litigation procedure. Highlights include the much-anticipated opinions of Advocate General Vlas in the Trucks and AirCargo cases, addressing the legal qualification of a “single and continuous infringement.” At the same time, the Dutch civil courts have further developed complex legal doctrines such as limitation periods, res judicata, and economic causation.
Beyond these high-stakes follow-on decisions, the chronicle offers a compelling overview of standalone cases – including disputes involving tech giants’ advertising policies, prize money distribution in professional cycling, and competitive conduct in the pharmaceutical sector. These cases consistently demonstrate the high bar for successfully invoking competition law in civil commercial disputes.
This chronicle is an essential resource for in-house counsel, litigators, and legal practitioners seeking to stay informed about the latest trends in Dutch case law and the strategic considerations these entail. The authors combine thorough legal analysis with hands-on experience, providing not only a clear overview but also practical direction.
Read the chronicle to stay informed about the latest developments in this dynamic area of law.
