Month: June 2009

EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials has often had mixed reviews with some arguing it is too long and unbalanced whilst others argue it is one of the finest accounts of EC competition law.  To my mind, EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials largely falls into this latter category.

Readers looking for a brief account of competition law and the important cases and materials should look elsewhere.  The mammoth EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials spans an incredible 1,402 pages.  It is broken down into sixteen chapters including important issues like articles 81, 82 and 86, intellectual property issues, mergers and enforcement of competition law rights.  Like many other texts published by OUP, it also includes an online resource centre (‘ORC’) which, by the time of this review, includes an additional chapter of state aid, appendix material, web-links and two thorough updates to the text.

EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials is largely well-written and expertly selects both relevant and important cases and materials.  Its text approach also means those cases and materials are explained in some detail and often extracts include an excellent summary and thoughts for further discussion.  Whilst the depth of the text is impressive, it is also one of its most frustrating features: readers wanting to consider all of the issues raised in Article 81 need to read a substantial part of the text.  It may be helpful for summaries to be included or (perhaps on the ORC) an abridged version of essential reading although the ‘central issues’ at the start of each chapter largely mitigates this issue.  If, however, the reader takes the time to consider all of the material, they will be superbly armed to consider any issue arising out of a particular topic.

For those wishing to fully understand the often confusing but interesting topic of competition law, EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials is an excellent text.  It is expertly written and well-balanced between text, cases and materials.  Whilst its size may be an issue for many readers, those wishing to invest the time in reading this text will no doubt be rewarded.  With a few minor tweaks (none of which are fundamental), EC Competition Law: Text, Cases and Materials could quickly gain an even wider appreciation than it already has.

Reviewed on 29 April 2009