Group Litigation in European Competition Law: A Law and Economics Perspective

This book makes a valuable contribution to the current discussion regarding the private enforcement of competition law, particularly through the use of group litigation. Forms of group litigation are debated not only at the European level, but in countries worldwide. Policy makers, practitioners and academics alike can draw relevant insights about the potentials and pitfalls of group litigation mechanisms. The framework developed allows for the evaluation of existing forms of group litigation, such as those already being used in the United States, the United Kingdom and Germany. Moreover, through the analysis a picture of the optimal form of group litigation in any context emerges. The analysis highlights the necessary trade-offs and choices any society contemplating the introduction of group litigation into their legal system – not only in the area of competition law – will have to face.