COMPETITION LAW
Broadcasters move NCLAT against Google fees on apps
The Indian Broadcasting & Digital Foundation (IBDF), representing TV broadcasters and OTT platforms, appealed to the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) against an interim order from the Competition Commission of India (CCI). The CCI denied interim relief from Google's app payment policies. IBDF’s counsel urged NCLAT to stop Google from charging fees on app transactions and onboarding. Fees, between 11% and 26%, affect paid app downloads, in-app purchases, even with alternate payments.
Maharashtra govt tables bill to curb malpractices in competitive exams; provides for jail term, fine
Under the bill, the offences related to the conduct of competitive examinations shall be cognisable, non-bailable and non-compoundable. According to the bill, those found indulging in unfair means and offences in the conduct of competitive examinations shall be punished with imprisonment for a term not less than three years, which may be extended to five years and with a fine of up to Rs 10 lakh.
CCI to shortly come out with changes to competition rules
The Competition Commission of India (CCI) is set to announce changes to competition rules, including those related to green channel approvals for mergers and acquisitions. The regulator is focusing on advocacy efforts and capacity building. The changes will also address dark patterns in e-commerce and algorithmic collusion, which could have competition implications.
Apple is first company charged under new EU competition law
Apple is facing intense regulatory scrutiny globally, with charges in the EU, legal battles in the US, and regulatory actions in Britain, signaling a turbulent period for the tech giant in various markets.
MeitY meets firms to review concerns on Digital Competition Law
Indian policymakers discussed the impact of the proposed Digital Competition Bill on data and digital markets at the MEITY meeting with industry representatives. Stakeholders had differing opinions on the regulations, with some supporting its provisions while others raised concerns about deterred investments.
How to prevent Big Tech dominance, protect privacy and ensure fair competition
The magnitude, scale and speed at which such platforms operate demand ex ante regulation, if the real interests of consumers are to be protected.
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AI-Vistara merger gets NCLT nod
NCLT approves Air India and Vistara merger, creating India's largest international carrier by year-end. Merger to connect five continents, streamline operations, and integrate workforce and fleet deployments.
Air India- Vistara merger gets NCLT nod
The National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has approved the merger of Air India and Vistara, making Air India the largest international carrier in India operating flights to five continents. The merger, already approved by the Competition Commission of India, will lead to a more efficient operation by eliminating duplicities in resources and operations. Consultants are working on harmonizing workforce and route networks, with the integration process set to begin gradually without grounding flights.
Why is NFL being sued in the US in an anti-trust law petition? Know the inside story
The NLF is facing a class action suit in the US for possible violation of the anti-trust laws involving its broadcasting agreements. The lawsuit claims damages to the tune of $7 billion.
IAMAI view on draft Digital Law not shared by all constituents: four members tell MCA
Four members of IAMAI, including Bharat Matrimony, Match Group, Hoichoi, and ShareChat, express divergent views on ex-ante regulation in the draft DCB to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.
Google, Amazon, Apple lobby group opposes India's EU-like antitrust proposal
India is drafting a new competition law to target big digital firms, with a U.S. lobby group urging a rethink to avoid potential business impacts.
Viacom18, Star India move CCI for merger approval
Viacom18 and Star India have sought CCI approval for their merger deal, assuring minimal competition impact in India. The merger deal may face intense CCI scrutiny since the combine will dominate both the TV broadcasting and streaming markets in the country with over 100 TV channels and two streaming platforms — JioCinema and Disney+ Hotstar.
Zee seeks termination fee of $90 million from Sony for calling off $10 billion deal
Zee Entertainment made headlines on Thursday by terminating its $10 billion media deal, demanding a $90 million termination fee from Sony Group Corporation's India media unit, Culver Max Entertainment, and Bangla Entertainment Pvt. Ltd. (BEPL). Previously, the media company disclosed that it had suffered merger-related expenses of Rs 432 crore between 2023-24 and 2022-23 due to the unsuccessful merger attempt with Sony Group Corporation's India media unit, Culver Max Entertainment.
Zee shelled out Rs 432 crore on failed merger with Sony unit
Zee Entertainment faced significant merger-related costs due to a failed deal with Culver Max Entertainment. The company also dealt with impairment charges, headcount reduction, arbitration cases, and demands for termination fees and compensation for damages.
Flat stuck in a delayed or stalled real estate project? Six things aggrieved homebuyers can do
Homebuyers stuck in stalled real estate projects face financial strain and uncertainty. They pay EMIs and rent while bearing the loss of opportunity cost. If you have property in a delayed or stalled real estate project, here are some things you can do as a home buyer.
Google cuts mystery check to US in bid to sidestep jury trial
Google disclosed the payment, but not the amount, in a court filing last week that said the case should be heard and decided by a judge directly. Without a monetary damages claim, Google argued, the government has no right to a jury trial.
CCI to boost strength for better oversight of digital, other sectors
The regulator is firming up a proposal to enhance its strength to strictly enforce regulations under the amended competition law of 2023, which has significantly widened the scope for oversight. On top of this, it is also planning to bolster its oversight of the digital market by adding quality manpower should the government come out with a new digital competition law and give it the oversight responsibility, said the person.
CCI chief flags 'opacity of algorithms', potential 'data dominance' concerns in digital markets
Competition Commission of India (CCI) chief Ravneet Kaur highlighted the opacity of algorithms in assessing their impact on competition, emphasizing the need for competition law to evolve in digital markets. The CCI is closely monitoring digital markets to combat anti-competitive practices. Kaur also announced a forthcoming market study on Artificial Intelligence during the 15th annual day event.
Bain teams up with Temasek to compete with Blackstone-led consortium for controlling stake in Haldiram's
The Bain and Temasek combination submitted a non-binding offer late last week valuing India’s largest snack and convenience foods company at $8-8.5 billion (Rs 66,400-70,500 crore), after initially engaging with the founding family of the 87-yearold brand separately, said people aware of the matter.
Draft digital competition bill will make business untenable: IAMAI
Ex-ante regimes tell businesses precisely how to behave, or what to do. Under the current ex-post regime of the Competition Act, companies are only required to ensure that their conduct in the market is not anti-competitive. An overlapping ex-ante regime proposed under the digital competition Bill will force tech companies to comply with parallel legislation and undertake measures for additional compliance, the IAMAI said.
Tatas to conclude Vistara- AI merger by year end
The merger will make the Air India group India’s largest international carrier, connecting five of the seven continents, operating more flights on international routes than any other airline, Air India CEO Campbell Wilson said, according to people who attended the townhall.
AI-Vistara merger: Fitment of over 7,000 staff to be complete in June
Air India CEO and MD Campbell Wilson along with Vistara CEO Vinod Kannan on Monday held a one-and-a-half-hour long townhall meeting with the employees of both carriers about the proposed merger.
CCI unable to prove market dominance, Google tells NCLAT
Google argued before the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal (NCLAT) that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) order, which imposed a penalty of Rs 936 crore on the company, was vague and excessive. The company contended that the regulator failed to provide evidence that Google's policies had harmed competition.
Google contends its app store doesn't abuse dominance
Google defended its Google Play Store at the National Company Law Appellate Tribunal, asserting it didn't engage in anti-competitive behavior or misuse its dominance. The counsel for Alphabet Inc argued the store provided users and developers with options and played a vital role without qualifying as a gatekeeper under Indian regulations.
Need time to study impact of proposed digital competition law, say tech policy advocacy groups
21 organisations urge a 5-month extension from the government for insights on the Digital Competition Bill draft, emphasizing the alignment of various regulations and the essential 'whole of government' approach.
Big Tech, few Indian entities oppose ex-ante regulation under new law; others lend their support
Digital firms including Apple, Google, Meta, Amazon, Flipkart, and Uber resisted ex-ante obligations under a new digital competition law. Some home-grown companies like Oyo, Zomato, and Swiggy had reservations, while others endorsed the framework. The Govil panel has now recommended separate digital competition legislation with an ex-ante framework after holding meetings with a cross-section of stakeholders, including the large digital players who had submitted their views.
New digital competition law proposed to regulate big tech
A high-level panel proposes a new digital competition law in India to address antitrust concerns involving big tech companies. The law applies to systemically significant digital enterprises with penalties up to 10% of global turnover. Enterprises must report their fulfilment of thresholds to the Competition Commission of India.
CCI's powers to penalise on global turnover basis to deter anti-competitive ways
The competition law provision of imposing penalties based on global turnover will act as a deterrent to violations, encourage commitments and settlements, and help in corrective measures. The Competition Commission of India now has the power to impose such penalties, impacting companies with multi-products or multi-services and cases related to digital markets.
Government notifies changes in competition law related to M&As
"The government has increased the existing financial thresholds as prescribed under Section 5 of the Competition Act by 150 per cent. Further, the De Minimis or the Small Target Exemption thresholds have also been increased. This is in line with the government motto of ease of doing business in India as less M&A deals would require CCI approval," he said.
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