The article is divided into two parts. In the first, an examination of the competition rules in the TRIPS Agreement confirms the authority of Contracting States to develop their own antitrust policy regarding IP-related restrictive practices, provided this is done consistently with the TRIPS...

In the European Union, competition policy regarding intellectual property related restrictions of competition has considerably changed in orientation. Whereas in the field of contractually agreed upon or concerted practices (Art.81 EC Treaty) licensing agreements, namely agreements on the...