Geo-blocking, copyright, and the boundaries of EU competition law: Case T-172/21 Valve v Commission

King & Spalding Antitrust Partner Publishes Analysis of Landmark Geo-blocking Case in the Journal of European Competition Law & Practice Brussels Antitrust Partner Dr. Salomé Cisnal de Ugarte has published a legal commentary in the prestigious Journal of European Competition Law & Practice (JECLAP). The peer-reviewed article analyzes the General Court's significant ruling in Valve Corporation v Commission (T-172/21), which confirms that geo-blocking practices aimed at restricting cross-border parallel trade constitute a restriction of competition "by object" under EU competition law, even when implemented by technical service providers. In this commentary, Cisnal de Ugarte explores the Court's reasoning and the broader implications for digital service providers participating in distribution agreements with territorial restrictions. The judgment reinforces the European Commission's commitment to tackling barriers to the Digital Single Market, making it essential reading for companies operating across European borders. The publication further demonstrates our firm's thought leadership in EU competition law and our commitment to providing clients with cutting-edge legal analysis of developments that impact their businesses. JECLAP is published by Oxford University Press and is among the most respected peer-reviewed publications in European competition law, featuring contributions from leading practitioners, academics, and enforcement officials. Go to the article.