Kocian Solc Balastik has successfully represented REMA before the European Commission regarding a complaint to investigate whether the Czech Republic, acting through the Ministry of the Environment, violated its obligations under EU law by creating an anti-competitive environment in the packaging sector in favor of EKO-KOM.
Bulgaria Publishes a Draft Bill to Update Its Consumer Protection Act in Line With GPSR and Class Action Directive
On June 12, 2024, the Bulgarian Council of Ministers released a draft bill for public discussion, aiming to revise the Bulgarian Consumer Protection Act (“CPA”) to align with the requirements of the General Product Safety Regulation 2023/988 (“GPSR”) and the Class Action Directive 2020/1828 (the “Class Action Directive”).
EUR 337.5 Million Fine Imposed on Mondelez International for Anticompetitive Behaviour
The European Commission has imposed a hefty EUR 337.5 million fine on Mondelēz International, Inc., the world-famous producer of Oreo, Milka and Toblerone, for restricting cross-border trade of chocolate, biscuits, and coffee products among EU Member States, in violation of EU competition regulations.
Havel & Partners Advises on HP Tronic and NAY Merger Clearance
Havel & Partners has represented HP Tronic and NAY on merger clearance from the Czech Office for the Protection of Competition and the Slovak Antimonopoly Office for their merger.
The "Dupe" Trend and Competition
A popular practice among consumers under the age of 30 is to purposely search for better-value alternatives to items from well-known brands. Started to gain followers on social media, this idea has become a phenomenon, with entrepreneurs setting up e-stores, boldly claiming to sell dupes (short for "duplicates"). Others sell their own products "inspired" by current trends. And while supply is generally justified by demand, it raises the question of whether duplicates are an innocent more affordable alternative or an unfair profiting on the back of another. Public opinion is divided, but we are going to examine what the law says.
Ukrainian Government Approves Regulation of State Support for Investment Projects with Significant Investments
On 26 April 2024, the Cabinet of Ministers of Ukraine (“Government”) approved the Procedure for Using Funds from the State Budget to Provide State Support for the Implementation of Investment Projects Involving Significant Investments (“Budget Procedure”).
Sayenko Kharenko Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation Against Turkish Cucumbers and Tomatoes Imports
Sayenko Kharenko has successfully represented Agrocenter, Zmiivska Ovocheva Fabryka, Kombinat Teplychny, Kremenchytska Ovocheva Fabryka, Ovochevyy Kombinat Stanyshivka, Perspektyva, Greenhouse Complex Dniprovsky, and Uman Greenhouse Complex in initiating anti-dumping investigation against imports into Ukraine of cucumbers and tomatoes originating from Turkiye.