We use cookies to give you the best online experience. By using our website you agree to our use of cookies in accordance with our cookie policy. Learn more here.Close Me
Keywords: online travel agencies, hotel rooms, competition law, infringements, Skoosh
The impact of the emergence of online travel agencies on the
traditional methods of distributing hotel rooms continues to
evolve.
In July, the UK Office of Fair Trading issued a draft Statement
of Objections alleging that booking.com, Expedia and
Intercontinental Hotels Group had infringed competition law in
relation to the supply of 'room only' accommodation by
online travel agents. This is the latest step in an investigation
instigated by complaints made by Skoosh, a small UK-based online
travel agency, in 2010. The OFT's provisional findings are that
there have been infringements in UK competition law. The parties
have a period of time in which to respond to the OFT's
provisional findings and Intercontinental, at least, is vigorously
challenging the OFT's provisional findings.
Mayer Brown is a global legal services provider
comprising legal practices that are separate entities (the
"Mayer Brown Practices"). The Mayer Brown Practices are:
Mayer Brown LLP and Mayer Brown Europe – Brussels LLP,
both limited liability partnerships established in Illinois USA;
Mayer Brown International LLP, a limited liability partnership
incorporated in England and Wales (authorized and regulated by the
Solicitors Regulation Authority and registered in England and Wales
number OC 303359); Mayer Brown, a SELAS established in France;
Mayer Brown JSM, a Hong Kong partnership and its associated
entities in Asia; and Tauil & Chequer Advogados, a Brazilian
law partnership with which Mayer Brown is associated. "Mayer
Brown" and the Mayer Brown logo are the trademarks of the
Mayer Brown Practices in their respective
jurisdictions.
This
Mayer Brown article provides information and comments on legal
issues and developments of interest. The foregoing is not a
comprehensive treatment of the subject matter covered and is not
intended to provide legal advice. Readers should seek specific
legal advice before taking any action with respect to the matters
discussed herein.
To print this article, all you need is to be registered on Mondaq.com.
Click to Login as an existing user or Register so you can print this article.
Twitter provides a platform for people all over the world to instantly share news, announcements, thoughts and opinions about any topic, at any time of the day.
The English High Court's recent decision in Executive Grapevine v Wall provides another example of claimants making good use of database right in order to protect their IPRs.
The recent release of David Bowie's new album sent a major shock wave through the music industry and caused many 'respectable' and 'serious' programmes and publications to fall over themselves in fawning admiration.
Advertising used to be about informing consumers where the products they purchased came from and which person or corporation was responsible for their manufacture. However, over the past 50-60 years, advertisers have been striving to give brands an image or identity, which induces consumers to buy the brand as much as the underlying product to which it is affixed.
A discussion on the predictions for the IT law developments in 2013.
Some comments from our readers… “The articles are extremely timely and highly applicable” “I often find critical information not available elsewhere” “As in-house counsel, Mondaq’s service is of great value”
