Keywords
RPM agreements, anti-competitiveness, effects-based approach, fixed price of book, objective of competition law, socio-market welfare
Abstract
This article considers two controversial and highly significant issues – the assessment of RPM vertical pricing agreements within competition law, and the attempts of the Polish legislator to introduce a law on the so-called fixed price of books. Both issues imply answering the question whether the RPM mechanism interferes or fosters the competitiveness of the book market. The starting point for answering this question is to distinguish between “pro” and “anti” competitive RPM agreements from the perspective of the objective of competition law, the latter being connected to the welfare concept. In the context of the book market, the RPM mechanism may realize this objective insofar as it would positively influence the parameters of efficient competition on the book market. It would thus also contribute to the satisfaction and optimization of the various economic needs of different entities (authors, publishers, booksellers, consumers).
Recommended Citation
Fidala, J. (2016). RPM agreements in the context of the book market. internetowy Kwartalnik Antymonopolowy i Regulacyjny (internet Quarterly on Antitrust and Regulation), 5(1), 7-24. Retrieved from https://press.wz.uw.edu.pl/ikar/vol5/iss1/1
First Page
7
Last Page
24
Page Count
17
Publisher
University of Warsaw
