On February 10, 2021, the FCJ declared liquidated damages clauses for cartel damages of up to 15% admissible in its sixth ruling in connection with the so-called “rail cartel”.[1]
Phones4U (In Administration) v. EE, Deutsche Telekom, Orange, Vodafone, Telefonica and Telefonica O2
On 2 February 2021, the Court of Appeal rejected an appeal by several mobile network operators (MNOs) to overturn disclosure orders that the MNOs’ executives’ personal devices and communications be examined by independent IT experts. Phones4U entered administration in 2014, following the termination of its contracts with several important commercial partners, including the defendant MNOs, from January 2013 onwards.
Hanover Court Dismissed Claims in Sugar Cartels for Lack of Standing
On February 1, 2021, the Hanover Regional Court dismissed a claim brought by special purpose vehicle Retail Cartel Damage Claims SA (“CDC”) against sugar manufacturers Nordzucker AG, Südzucker AG and Pfeifer & Langen GmbH & Co. KG, on the basis that the CDC had no standing to sue.[1]
Kerilee Investments Limited v International Tin Association Limited
On 26 January 2021, the CAT published notice of a claim for damages by Kerilee Investments Limited (Kerilee) against the International Tin Association Ltd (ITA). Kerilee is a metal trading SME, incorporated in the UK. The ITA is a UK-based and incorporated trade association and special purpose entity incorporated by guarantee in the UK. The ITA is responsible for the governance, policy, financial, executive and secretariat functions of the International Tin Supply Chain Initiative (ITSCI) conflict mineral due-diligence programme.
UKRS Training Limited v NSAR
On 15 January 2021, the CAT published an order consenting to UKRS Training Limited (UKRS) withdrawing its action against NSAR Limited (NSAR) alleging a breach of the Chapter 2 prohibition.
The Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court Dismisses a Damages Action Against the Immunity Recipient in the Confectionary Cartel
On January 14, 2021, the Nuremberg-Fürth Regional Court dismissed an action for damages against a confectionery manufacturer, which participated in an information exchange in the so-called “Four Party” discussion group.[1]
The Court of Milan Rejects a Request for an Expert’s Preliminary Assessment of Damages Based on the 2017 Google Search (Shopping) Decision of the European Commission
On January 4, 2021, the Tribunale di Milano (the “Court of Milan”) rejected a request for an expert’s preliminary assessment of damages in a civil action brought by 7 Pixel s.r.l. (“7 Pixel”) against Google LLC (“Google”, together with 7 Pixel, the “Parties”).[1] The Court of Milan rejected Pixel’s attempt to use a swift settlement-like procedure on the basis of Article 696-bis of the Italian Code of Civil Procedure, which allows the judge to order an expert’s report providing an upfront assessment of the damages.
Discovery In Private Follow-On Cartel Litigation
On December 17, 2020, the Hanover Regional Court ordered the disclosure of the confidential version of an infringement decision of the EC (the “Infringement Decision”).[1] It is the first decision granting access to a confidential version of a previously nondisclosed decision by a competition authority. Other courts have shown a tendency to limit the scope of the disclosure rights.[2]
The Commission Publishes Report on the Implementation of the Damages Directive
FCJ Provides Guidance on Competition Infringements in The Railway Sector
On December 8, 2020, the FCJ overturned a decision of the DCA concerning an increase in cancellation fees for track access charges imposed by Deutsche Bahn AG (“DB”) between 2008 and 2011. The plaintiff demanded the repayment of a partial amount of the cancellation fees paid following a price increase of 150%. The FCJ referred the case back to the DCA.[1]