Alleged restriction of competition agreement in the market for distribution of consumer electronics

Lear has assisted Apple Inc. in a proceeding before the Administrative Tribunal of Lazio (TAR), again a decision by the Italian Competition Authority (ICA) on a vertical agreement with the Amazon group that has allegedly reduced intra-brand price competition on the Amazon.it marketplace. Lear supported Apple throughout the ICA and TAR proceedings; Lear submitted economic evidence showing that the agreement had a vertical nature and was motivated by the need to curb counterfeiting of Apple products, and improve consumers’ experience; therefore it had the objective and effect of boosting inter-brand competition between Apple and rival manufacturers of consumer electronics. The TAR sided with Apple and annulled the ICA’s decision.