PhD student: Mr T.J. Verdonk

Promotors: Mrs Prof E. Terryn, Prof W. Devroe

Duration: 1/9/2017 - 31/8/2021

Abstract:

This project will assess if certain typical business practices in the agribusiness industry constitute abuses of market power, and, if such abusive practices are identified, whether competition law could serve as an appropriate legal framework to resolve these issues. Due to the prominent role of intellectual property rights and the unique characteristics of the agribusiness industry, this raises interesting questions regarding the extent competition law could play a role in resolving any identified abuses of market power. Additionally, recent developments in the agribusiness industry and the nature of some agribusiness products and services has raised concerns about relationships of economic dependency between suppliers and customers. By examining the interaction of competition law, intellectual property law and rules on (business-to-business) unfair trading practices, this research seeks to formulate recommendations for a more coherent framework that balances these three areas of law in order to resolve the identified practices in agribusiness that constitute abuses of absolute and relative market power.