Best Antitrust Litigation Lawyers in Austria

Share your needs with us, get contacted by law firms.

Free. Takes 2 min.

Or refine your search by selecting a city:


Founded in 1962
200 people in their team
German
English
The Courage to Guide our ClientsWe offer advice that is clear and solution-oriented, so that our clients can make the right decisions.We fight for the goals of our clients and achieve the results they need.The people of Binder GrösswangWe are outstanding specialists with an eye for the...

English
Rechtsanwalt Salzburg | Mag. Sanela Schaidreiter is a distinguished law firm located in Salzburg, Austria, specializing in a comprehensive range of legal services. The firm offers expertise in areas such as labor and social law, family law, tenancy and condominium law, contract law, and civil law....
Lawyer Dr Roman Moser
Salzburg, Austria

Founded in 1985
English
Dr. Moser Rechtsanwälte, located in Salzburg, Austria, offers comprehensive legal services across various practice areas, including corporate law, labor law, construction law, family law, inheritance law, criminal defense, and real estate transactions. The firm is committed to providing dynamic...
DORDA Rechtsanwälte GmbH
Vienna, Austria

Founded in 1976
200 people in their team
German
English
DORDA Attorneys at Law. We deliver clarity. Our strengths are precision, innovation and flexibility. Our services in all areas of business law ensure our clients optimal clarity in their decision making. Our success is based on commitment and internationality. We nurture our cooperation with...
JAEGER & Partner
Linz, Austria

Founded in 2013
50 people in their team
German
English
Since 2013, our law firm has had a completely new look at its location at Hauptplatz 30. We have chosen a property that matches our personality and philosophy. The revitalized old building on Hauptplatz in Linz is a successful combination of tradition and modern office architecture.However, the...
LIKAR Rechtsanwälte
Graz, Austria

Founded in 2000
50 people in their team
German
English
With the presence of our academic and business consultants plus the interdisciplinary co-operation with economical advisers, management consultants, chartered accountants, notaries and financing-experts we are able to offer comprehensive solutions for extensive projects (one-stop-shop).For...

Founded in 2021
English
Dr. Lorenz Kirschner, a distinguished attorney based in Wels, Austria, specializes in criminal law and inheritance law. With a robust background that includes serving as a civil and criminal judge from 2013 to 2018, he transitioned to private practice in 2018, bringing a wealth of judicial...
Traun, Austria

English
Mag. Klaus Neumann is a distinguished law firm located in Traun, Austria, offering comprehensive legal services with a focus on real estate law, corporate and commercial law, debt collection, civil litigation, family law, and criminal law. The firm is committed to delivering tailored solutions that...

English
Law firm Mag. Dr. Andreas Mauhart, located in Linz, Austria, specializes in providing comprehensive legal services with a focus on criminal defense. The firm is led by Mag. Dr. Andreas Mauhart, who brings extensive experience and a deep understanding of the Austrian legal system to his practice....
AS SEEN ON

About Antitrust Litigation Law in Austria

Antitrust litigation in Austria refers to legal proceedings concerning breaches of competition law. Competition law, also called antitrust law, is designed to prevent unfair business practices that harm competition, consumers, and the overall economy. Austria, as a member of the European Union, enforces both national and EU rules against anti-competitive conduct. The Austrian legal system allows individuals, businesses, or government agencies to bring actions against those suspected of breaching antitrust regulations.

Common antitrust issues in Austria include cartels (collusion between competitors), abuse of market dominance, and anti-competitive mergers. Litigation may occur before specialized competition authorities or courts. The goal is to maintain fair competition, promote innovation, and protect consumer interests.

Why You May Need a Lawyer

Antitrust litigation can be complex and typically involves significant financial and reputational stakes. You may need a lawyer if:

  • Your business is accused of being part of a cartel or abusing a dominant market position.
  • You believe a competitor is engaging in anti-competitive conduct impacting your company.
  • You are facing regulatory investigations or dawn raids by Austrian competition authorities.
  • You are considering a merger or acquisition that may raise competition concerns.
  • You have received a fine or sanction and wish to challenge it in court.
  • You want to file or defend against private damages claims resulting from antitrust breaches.
  • You need expert advice on complying with Austrian or EU competition laws.

Local Laws Overview

Antitrust litigation in Austria is primarily governed by the Cartel Act (Kartellgesetz) and supplemented by applicable EU regulations such as Articles 101 and 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union. Key local law aspects include:

  • Prohibited Agreements: Cartel agreements between companies to fix prices, allocate markets, or limit production are illegal.
  • Abuse of Dominant Position: Firms with significant market power cannot abuse that power to exclude competitors or exploit consumers.
  • Merger Control: Mergers and acquisitions above certain thresholds must be notified and approved by the Austrian Federal Competition Authority.
  • Sanctions: Significant fines, remedies, and orders can be imposed by authorities or courts for breaches of antitrust law.
  • Private Enforcement: Individuals or companies can seek damages or injunctive relief in Austrian courts if harmed by anti-competitive practices.
  • Leniency Programs: Companies involved in cartels may reduce penalties by cooperating with authorities and revealing illegal conduct.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is antitrust litigation?

Antitrust litigation is the process of resolving disputes involving alleged violations of competition or antitrust laws, primarily through legal proceedings before courts or competition authorities.

Which authorities are responsible for antitrust enforcement in Austria?

The Austrian Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde) and the Federal Cartel Prosecutor handle investigations and enforcement, with the Cartel Court (Kartellgericht) deciding on cases and penalties.

What types of conduct are considered anti-competitive under Austrian law?

Anti-competitive conduct includes creating cartels, price-fixing, bid-rigging, market sharing, limiting production, and abusing a dominant market position.

How can I report suspected anti-competitive behavior?

You can file a complaint with the Austrian Federal Competition Authority or seek legal advice to initiate a private action in court.

What penalties can result from antitrust violations?

Penalties may include hefty fines, orders to cease certain behaviors, damages to injured parties, and, in some cases, invalidation of business agreements.

Can I claim damages if my business suffered from anti-competitive practices?

Yes, Austrian law allows private individuals and companies to bring claims for compensation if they have suffered loss due to antitrust law breaches.

What is a leniency program and how does it work?

A leniency program encourages cartel participants to disclose illegal activity to authorities, potentially reducing or eliminating penalties if they cooperate fully.

Are antitrust investigations public or confidential?

Investigations are usually confidential at the early stages, but outcomes, including fines and decisions, are typically published.

Can foreign companies face antitrust litigation in Austria?

Yes, if their conduct has effects in the Austrian market, foreign companies can be subject to investigation and litigation under Austrian competition laws.

How is merger control enforced in Austria?

Mergers and acquisitions meeting certain turnover thresholds must be submitted for review and can be blocked or approved with conditions if they threaten to reduce competition.

Additional Resources

If you require further information or assistance on antitrust matters in Austria, consider contacting:

  • Austrian Federal Competition Authority (Bundeswettbewerbsbehörde) - The main authority for enforcement and advocacy of competition law.
  • Federal Cartel Prosecutor (Bundeskartellanwalt) - Represents the public interest in competition-related court proceedings.
  • Cartel Court (Kartellgericht) - Specialized court handling competition law cases and disputes.
  • Austrian Chamber of Commerce (Wirtschaftskammer Österreich) - Offers guidance and support to businesses on compliance.
  • European Commission Directorate-General for Competition - Handles cross-border and EU-wide competition issues that may impact Austria.

Next Steps

If you believe you need legal advice or assistance in relation to antitrust litigation in Austria, the following steps can help:

  1. Document relevant information about your situation, including contracts, correspondence, or evidence of anti-competitive conduct.
  2. Consider whether your case involves regulatory investigation, business mergers, company compliance, or damages from unfair competition.
  3. Contact a qualified lawyer or law firm specializing in Austrian and EU competition law for an initial consultation.
  4. If urgent, such as during a dawn raid or imminent investigation, seek immediate legal assistance to protect your interests and cooperate appropriately with authorities.
  5. Keep up to date with resources and guidance from the Austrian Federal Competition Authority and other listed organizations to ensure continuing compliance.

Taking timely action and obtaining expert legal advice will help protect your business, reputation, and rights under Austrian antitrust law.

Lawzana helps you find the best lawyers and law firms in Austria through a curated and pre-screened list of qualified legal professionals. Our platform offers rankings and detailed profiles of attorneys and law firms, allowing you to compare based on practice areas, including Antitrust Litigation, experience, and client feedback. Each profile includes a description of the firm's areas of practice, client reviews, team members and partners, year of establishment, spoken languages, office locations, contact information, social media presence, and any published articles or resources. Most firms on our platform speak English and are experienced in both local and international legal matters. Get a quote from top-rated law firms in Austria - quickly, securely, and without unnecessary hassle.

Disclaimer:
The information provided on this page is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. While we strive to ensure the accuracy and relevance of the content, legal information may change over time, and interpretations of the law can vary. You should always consult with a qualified legal professional for advice specific to your situation. We disclaim all liability for actions taken or not taken based on the content of this page. If you believe any information is incorrect or outdated, please contact us, and we will review and update it where appropriate.