The simultaneous investigations undertaken by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) into Apple and Google’s mobile platforms represent a significant step undertaken in the Digital markets Consumer and Competition Act (DMCCA) era. While both companies face proposed Strategic Market Status (SMS) designation, their fundamentally different business models and competitive strategies have produced distinct regulatory challenges […]
The DMCCA in Action
The United Kingdom’s approach to digital market regulation has undergone a significant transformation in 2025. What began as legislative theory in May 2024 with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act (DMCCA) receiving Royal Assent has evolved into a sophisticated regulatory framework delivering tangible results. As we reach 20 August 2025, the close of consultation […]
The Second Round of DMA Compliance Workshops – Compliance Progress or Slowdown?
During the last days, we witnessed the second round of the most public aspect of DMA enforcement: the DMA Compliance Workshops. Now in their second year, these events are shaping up to be an annual tradition in which the Commission convenes gatekeepers, their business users, competitors, and other stakeholders. The contrast between last year’s buzz […]
Apple’s Anti-Steering Aches: Key Takeaways from the first DMA Non-Compliance Decision
The European Commission has published its first-ever DMA non-compliance decision—and Apple is the unlucky (or lucky, depending on how you look at it) first subject. In a 68-page takedown, the Commission unpacks Apple’s creative approach to steering restrictions: multiple business terms, multiple hoops for developers to jump through, and a web of conditions that, in […]
Better late than never: DMA Non-Compliance Day
The long-awaited first non-compliance decisions under the DMA are finally out. Apple and Meta have been fined EUR 500 and 200 million respectively. While everyone can now be relieved that DMA enforcement has not been consigned to oblivion (or turned into a counter-tariff bargaining chip), a few question marks remain. To start with the obvious: […]
Decision Day: The German Federal Court of Justice confirms Apple’s paramount significance for competition across markets under Sec. 19a para. 1 GWB
Another victory for the Bundeskartellamt! The German Supreme Court (BGH) confirmed that Apple is an undertaking of paramount significance for competition across markets (UPSCAM) pursuant to Sec. 19a para. 1 GWB. Although the full decision is not out yet, today’s press release already gives us an idea of what the BGH has been thinking about […]
A Report from the Court Room Part II: Apple’s paramount significance for competition across markets on trial
Germany had its second and, for the moment, last round of hearings concerning a designation by the Bundeskartellamt under Sec. 19a para. 1 GWB! A lot of what was discussed seemed like a déjà-vu for those who have followed Amazon’s line of arguments back in April 2024. But the hardware icon Apple has also tried […]