Topic
antitrust
Paramount and Warner Bros Pause $110bn Merger Amid Legal Challenge from States and Unions
Paramount Skydance and Warner Bros Discovery have agreed to pause their $110bn merger until June 2027 while a US judge considers a legal challenge from 12 US states and the Writers Guild of America. The pause follows European regulatory approval, conditioned on ending a film distribution partnership with Universal Pictures. The companies insist the merger is necessary to compete with streaming giants, but opponents argue it harms competition and reduces bargaining power for creators.
Technology EU Fines Google $1 Billion for Prioritizing Its Own Services in Search Rankings
The European Commission has fined Google $1 billion for violating the Digital Markets Act by giving preferential treatment to its own services in search results and restricting app developers from communicating with users outside the Play Store. Google stated it will consider appealing, while industry groups argue that heavy-handed enforcement harms European consumers. The fine adds to a series of multi-billion-dollar EU antitrust penalties against Google.
FTC Settlement With John Deere Is a Huge Win for the Right-to-Repair Movement
The US Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement with John Deere over a 2025 antitrust lawsuit, requiring the company to provide farmers and independent repair shops the same access to diagnostic software and repair resources as its dealers for 10 years, monitored by the FTC. The settlement is hailed by right-to-repair advocates as a significant win for farmers.
Trade EU Antitrust Law Faces Delay in Extraterritorial Enforcement on China-EU Sea Trade
The EU Commission has abstained from voluntary extraterritorial enforcement of EU antitrust law on seaborne trade between China and the EU, citing geopolitical, economic, and legal concerns. However, the European Court of Justice has ruled that EU antitrust law applies to conduct outside the EU if it has immediate, substantial, and foreseeable effects on trade between Member States. August Braakman argues that parties involved should take legal action to protect their interests.
Logistics Ocean Shipping Cartel: Is This Legal? Soaring Rates and Carrier Market Power Under Scrutiny
The global supply chain faces unprecedented challenges with trucking spot rates at record highs and ocean freight rates surging. This article examines the role of carrier market power and market concentration, and the legal questions surrounding the ocean shipping cartel.
Technology Google Must Pay €4.1bn Fine for Using Android to Block Rivals, Europe's Top Court Rules
Europe's top court has dismissed Google's appeal and ordered the company to pay a €4.1bn fine for using its Android mobile operating system to block competitors. The European Commission originally imposed the penalty in 2018, citing three illegal practices such as requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google apps. The court's decision is final, marking the largest antitrust fine ever levied by the Commission.
Logistics US Firms Sue Container Makers Over Alleged Price-Fixing Scheme Impacting Global Dry Container Market
Two US companies have sued container manufacturers Singamas, CIMC, and CXIC Group over alleged price-fixing that doubled container prices and increased profits 100x between 2019 and 2021. The lawsuits follow a DOJ indictment and seek damages for inflated shipping costs.
Business Japan Ice Cream Giants Raided Over Suspected Price-Fixing Cartel
Japan's Fair Trade Commission raided six major ice cream makers on suspicion of forming a cartel to fix prices. Companies including Meiji, Morinaga Milk, Lotte, Morinaga, Ezaki Glico, and Akagi Nyugyo allegedly raised prices by 5-10% several times. The firms say they are cooperating with the investigation.
Business US States Reportedly Plan Lawsuit to Block Paramount's $110B Warner Bros. Takeover
Multiple US states are reportedly preparing a lawsuit to block Paramount's $110 billion acquisition of Warner Bros. California Attorney General Rob Bonta has raised concerns about market consolidation, and the suit is expected within weeks. The deal has faced opposition since its announcement in February 2026.