Monopolisation, moat building and entrenchment strategies
Competition authorities have already acquired significant knowledge about the concept
of market power and dominance as well as practical experience when assessing anticompetitive
practices. However, the introduction of potential new concepts, such as economic moats
and entrenchment, may complicate this analysis and further blur the lines between
lawful and unlawful practices. This paper discusses the relation between economic
moats and entrenchment with market power and calls for further reflections among competition
authorities and practitioners on the challenges these concepts may pose. It explores
several possible options, including incentivising the use of investigative and analytical
techniques, as well as strengthening regulatory tools.
Available from May 20, 2024
In series:OECD Roundtables on Competition Policy Papersview more titles