By Yasmine EDDAM
4 April 2025
Abuse of a dominant position exposes companies to considerable financial penalties. Fines can amount to 10% of worldwide turnover. Google, for example, was ordered to pay €2.4 billion for favouring its price comparison site in search results. Faced with these risks, and to better understand the basics of unfair competition, companies need to be aware of the possible defences and recent developments in case law. The competition authority has extensive powers, including investigative measures, injunctions and financial penalties. Its approach is evolving towards a more economic analysis of practices. This trend opens up new defence possibilities for companies in a dominant position. How can apparently abusive behaviour be justified? How can they defend themselves effectively? This article analyses the legal strategies available and the best practices to adopt. Mechanisms for punishing abuse of a dominant position The central role of the Autorité de...
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