Our competition litigation practice is at the forefront of private antitrust enforcement and collective litigation proceedings in the UK.
We are involved in some of the most high-profile competition disputes before the Competition Appeal Tribunal, with the UK emerging as a premier jurisdiction for antitrust damages claims world-wide.
The team is led by Natasha Pearman. Natasha is a highly regarded competition lawyer who was responsible for the ground-breaking Justin Le Patourel v BT claim – the first standalone collective action to be certified by the CAT. Zena Prodromou adds expertise in public and private antitrust enforcement in the EU and the UK.
Examples of our current cases include
Alex Neill Class Representative Limited v (1) Sony Interactive Entertainment Europe Limited; and (2) Sony Interactive Entertainment Network Europe Limited
A claim brought on behalf of UK consumers for breaches of competition law in relation to the PlayStation platform, read more about the case below.
Vicki Shotbolt Class Representative Limited v Valve Corporation
A claim brought on behalf of UK consumers for excessive pricing on the Steam digital distribution platform and anti-competitive behaviour in the PC gaming market, read more about the case below.
We have a strong network of relations with funders across the City and the US, which allows us to pursue claims that champion consumers and support innovators.
Our lawyers are qualified in the UK, the EU and the US and have experience in co-ordinating multi-jurisdictional claims and implementing effective cross-border litigation strategies. Our deep understanding of private international law allows us to anticipate and efficiently resolve questions of foreign law choice and application.
We master the substantive aspects of private damages actions claims, including questions on:
- Liability in stand-alone claims and underpinning theories of harm;
- Damages quantification and applicable economic principles; and
- Factual evidence gathering.
From a procedural standpoint, we are uniquely placed to:
- Navigate the challenges of disclosure;
- Address procedural challenges, including on jurisdiction and limitation; and
- Engage in settlement discussions.
We are at the cutting edge of digital regulation and regularly advise on complex issues under the UK Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act and the EU Digital Markets and Digital Services Acts and related litigation.
Our lawyers also have experience in a wide range of competition law matters and disputes including:
- Horizontal and vertical co-operation arrangements;
- Anti-competitive agreements and practices;
- Abuse of dominance claims;
- Complex merger control review; and
- State aid.
In this context, we regularly act for complainants, intervening and third parties. We also offer risk assessment and compliance program design services. Our practice spans various sectors, including technology, telecoms, pharma, energy, financial services, construction, aviation and consumer goods.
We work closely with our commercial litigation practice to offer comprehensive legal services and ensure clients benefit from and fully utilise the suite of protections afforded under competition law in their commercial dealings, including in distribution, franchising, R&D and licensing arrangements.
We are one of the few practice groups with expertise in the alternative dispute resolution of competition claims, including through commercial arbitration, with particular emphasis on the life sciences and technology sectors.
