konkurrensbegränsningen

Konkurrensbegränsningen is a Swedish legal term that translates to "restriction of competition." It refers to actions or agreements that hinder or prevent fair competition in the marketplace. Such restrictions can take various forms, including price fixing, market sharing, and abuse of dominant market positions.

The primary objective of laws against konkurrensbegränsningen is to ensure a level playing field for businesses, protect consumers from inflated prices and reduced choice, and foster innovation. In Sweden, the Konkurrenslagen (Competition Act) is the main legislation governing this area. The Swedish Competition Authority (Konkurrensverket) is responsible for enforcing these rules.

Examples of konkurrensbegränsningen include cartels, where competing companies agree to set prices or divide markets, and the exploitation of a monopoly position to disadvantage smaller competitors. Companies found guilty of restricting competition can face significant fines and other penalties. The assessment of whether an action constitutes a restriction of competition involves a detailed analysis of the market, the behavior of the involved parties, and the potential impact on competition and consumers.