An international antitrust primer. A guide to the operation of United States, European Union and other key competition laws in the global economy, 2nd ed.

Book abstract:

Written more than twenty five years after the first edition was published, the second edition of this book reflects the changes that have taken place in the international antitrust field since then, for example, a significant increase in international transactions; a reduction in the number of barriers between trade and commerce; and the growth of cyberspace.

The work commences with an overview of competition law development around the world which sets the context and is then organised over three parts: United States Antitrust Laws; European Community Competition Law; and Other Law. Each part has a first chapter providing an overview or summary of competition law in each particular arena. Chapters three and four consider the limits of the application of US Antitrust laws to transactions touching more than the domestic market, and the procedural rules that structure cases in US courts. Chapters five through to eight provide a comprehensive and outstanding overview of substantive US Antitrust law addressing particularly the effective enforcement mechanisms and remedies. The same exercise is conducted for European Law through chapters ten to thirteen. Summaries of key competition laws addressed in Chapter 14 offer a brief glance at those pertaining in Canada, Mexico, the United Kingdom and Japan. The concluding Chapter 15 asks the question 'What future is there for Global Competition Law ?' And whilst not reaching a definitive answer it affirms the inevitability of convergence, co-ordination and co-operation.

The work will be useful to the business person, lawyer, journalist or student seeking to become familiar with the field of Global Competition Regulation.

Mark R. Joelson is in private practice in Washington DC and teaches a course in global competition law at Georgetown University Law Center.