Restrictions on keyword bidding in online search advertising: The EC takes a stand
1 min read
On 17 December 2018 the European Commission fined the clothing brand Guess €40 million for imposing various anti-competitive online sales restrictions on its distributors, including restrictions on keyword bidding on the Guess brand name and trademarks in online search advertising auctions. As the first ruling on this issue at a Commission level, this important decision will likely be followed by other European competition authorities and national courts. Our briefing examines what this means for restrictions on online search advertising in vertical agreements moving forwards.
