Best Antitrust Lawyers in Solna

About Antitrust Law in Solna, Sweden

Antitrust law - commonly called competition law in Sweden - governs how businesses compete and protects consumers, public procurement and markets from anti-competitive behaviour. If your business operates in Solna - a municipality in the Stockholm region with many public bodies and private companies - the same Swedish and EU rules apply as elsewhere in the country. Enforcement and remedies are handled by national authorities and courts, and by EU institutions when cross-border trade between member states is affected. Understanding competition rules is important for firms bidding for contracts, engaging in mergers, working with suppliers or customers, or setting prices.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Competition law is fact-sensitive, technical and can have heavy legal and financial consequences. You may need a lawyer if you face any of the following situations:

- You receive a notification, request for information, inspection notice or fine from the Swedish Competition Authority - Konkurrensverket - or from an EU body.

- Your business is planning a merger or acquisition that may restrict competition or meet notification thresholds under Swedish or EU rules.

- You suspect or are accused of involvement in a cartel, price-fixing, market allocation, bid-rigging, or other collusive conduct.

- Your firm may have a dominant market position and you need advice on avoiding unlawful exclusionary behaviour or exploiting that position.

- You want to design or review distribution, supply or purchasing agreements for compliance with competition rules.

- You have been the victim of anti-competitive conduct and want to pursue damages, an injunction or other remedies in court.

- You need support responding to dawn raids, inspections or requests for internal documents and emails.

- You want to put in place a compliance programme and staff training to reduce legal risk.

Local Laws Overview

Key legal sources and features relevant to Solna are the same as for Sweden generally - national legislation implements EU competition law and national rules add specific procedures. Important aspects include:

- Swedish Competition Act - The national competition statute implements core EU competition prohibitions and contains provisions on prohibited agreements, abuse of dominance and merger control procedures as applied in Sweden.

- EU Competition Law - Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union are directly applicable and govern anti-competitive agreements and abuse of dominant positions when trade between EU member states is affected.

- Enforcement Authorities - The Swedish Competition Authority - Konkurrensverket - enforces national rules, investigates complaints and can impose remedies and fines. For cases with cross-border impact, the European Commission may intervene.

- Courts and Litigation - Competition disputes, including follow-on damages claims and appeals against authority decisions, are handled by Swedish courts including specialised divisions such as the Patent and Market Court and the Patent and Market Court of Appeal, which deal with many competition and intellectual property matters.

- Merger Control - Mergers that exceed certain turnover thresholds may need notification and clearance either to the Swedish Competition Authority or to the European Commission if the merger affects trade between member states and meets EU thresholds.

- Sanctions and Remedies - Authorities can order cessation of prohibited conduct, impose fines, require behavioural or structural remedies, and decisions can be appealed to the courts. Private parties can bring civil claims for damages and injunctions.

- Cooperation and Leniency - Sweden participates in EU enforcement cooperation. Leniency programmes exist to encourage cartel participants to come forward in exchange for reduced sanctions, subject to strict conditions.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between Swedish competition law and EU competition law?

Swedish competition law implements many of the same core rules found in EU law, but it is enforced by national authorities and courts. EU law applies directly where conduct affects trade between member states. If a case has cross-border effects, EU institutions may take the lead. In practice both bodies cooperate and national rules mirror EU principles.

Who enforces competition law for companies operating in Solna?

The main enforcer at national level is the Swedish Competition Authority - Konkurrensverket. For matters that affect trade between EU member states, the European Commission - Directorate-General for Competition - may also investigate and enforce. Competition decisions can be challenged in the specialised Patent and Market Court and thereafter in the appellate court.

What should I do if the authority requests information or conducts a dawn raid?

Immediately preserve documents and avoid destroying any potentially relevant material. Contact a lawyer experienced in competition law right away. During an inspection, cooperate to the extent required by law but seek legal guidance before providing written statements or waiving rights. A lawyer can help protect privileged material and guide you through the process.

How long do competition investigations typically take?

Investigation length varies widely - some matters are closed in months, others take years depending on complexity, whether there are cartel allegations, the need for dawn raids, and appeals. Authorities follow statutory timeframes for certain steps, but the overall process can be lengthy.

Can businesses be fined for breaching competition rules in Sweden?

Yes. Competition authorities can impose fines and order remedies for prohibited agreements and abuses of dominance. The size of fines depends on the gravity and duration of the breach, turnover of the company and other factors. Companies can also face private claims for damages from injured parties.

What is leniency and when should a company consider it?

Leniency is a programme that offers immunity or reduced fines to the first cartel participant that comes forward with credible evidence and cooperates with the authority. It is a complex decision because it involves admitting participation in wrongdoing. Seek immediate legal advice if you believe your company is involved in cartel conduct and you are considering leniency.

Can consumers and businesses bring private lawsuits for damages?

Yes. Private parties who have suffered loss because of anti-competitive conduct can bring civil claims for damages and seek injunctions. These claims may be brought in Swedish courts, including specialised courts where appropriate. Evidence obtained by authorities can sometimes be used in private litigation subject to procedural rules.

Do competition rules apply to public procurement and municipal contracts in Solna?

Yes. Public procurement must comply with competition rules. Collusive bidding or bid-rigging in public tenders is unlawful and can lead to fines, exclusion from future tenders and potential damages claims. Municipalities and suppliers involved in procurement should ensure compliance measures are in place.

How should a small business in Solna start building a compliance programme?

Begin with a risk assessment identifying where your business is exposed - pricing, tendering, distribution agreements, information exchanges with competitors. Implement clear policies and training for staff, establish a competition law compliance manual, appoint a compliance officer, maintain document retention policies and set procedures for handling contact with competitors and regulators.

Where can I file a complaint about suspected anti-competitive conduct?

Complaints about suspected anti-competitive behaviour can be submitted to the Swedish Competition Authority. If conduct affects trade between EU member states, complaints may also be made to the European Commission. Before filing, gather clear factual evidence and consult a lawyer to understand potential consequences.

Additional Resources

Consider these national and international bodies and organisations as starting points for information and assistance:

- Swedish Competition Authority - Konkurrensverket

- Patent and Market Court and Patent and Market Court of Appeal

- European Commission - Directorate-General for Competition

- Swedish Bar Association - for finding qualified competition lawyers in the Stockholm and Solna area

- Industry associations and chambers of commerce in Stockholm and Solna - for sector-specific guidance

- Official government publications and guidance notes on competition law and compliance

Next Steps

If you need legal assistance with an antitrust or competition issue in Solna, consider the following steps:

- Do not delay - early legal advice can limit risk and protect evidence. Preserve relevant documents and communications.

- Contact a qualified competition law lawyer or law firm with experience in Swedish and EU competition law. If possible, choose counsel familiar with investigations and litigation in the Stockholm/Solna courts.

- Prepare a clear timeline and factual summary of the situation - transactions, communications, contracts, tenders and any written correspondence.

- If you face an imminent inspection or urgent enforcement action, request immediate representation and follow legal guidance on interactions with authorities.

- If you are planning a merger or major commercial transaction, seek pre-transaction clearance advice about notification thresholds and likely remedies.

- Implement or review compliance policies and training to reduce future risk. A proactive compliance programme is often the best defence against enforcement action.

Getting the right legal help early, preserving documents and following sound compliance practices will give you the best chance of managing antitrust risks effectively in Solna and across Sweden.