By Yasmine EDDAM
29 June 2025
Distribution, franchising and supply agreements are at the heart of many companies' strategies. However, these so-called 'vertical' contracts may contain clauses which, without careful analysis, could come into conflict with competition law. Far from being mere contractual documents, they define the balance of power in a market. The aim of this article is to provide an overview of the main principles governing these agreements, to give you a clear picture of what is at stake and what to watch out for. When it comes to assessing a situation of unfair competition, support is often essential. Here we look at the definitions, the legal framework and the different types of agreement, bearing in mind that each subject is dealt with in more detail in our dedicated articles. Understanding vertical restraints in competition law In order to navigate this field properly, it is first necessary to master the fundamental concepts that underpin it.
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