Competitive Analysis of Hardcore Restrictions in Technology Licensing Contracts

Abstract

Technology Licensing contract are agreements which pave the way for transferring and diffusing of technology. These agreements usually contain restrictive clauses which pose competitive concerns. These restrictive clauses are divided into three categories, one of which is hardcore or per se illegal ones. Having briefly considering the position of these restrictive clauses within the other restrictive practices, this article has mainly the intention to analyze the subject in the light of American and EU laws as well as the international instruments. In doing this job, this paper will also have special reference to the experiences of some Asian countries which by adopting an efficient competition policy have acquired substantial successes in this field. Upon the results of this analysis, this article, showing the surprising deficiencies and obscurities of the Iranian law and challenging its competition policies, will try to provide appropriate guidance and suggestions for legislative bodies, competition council and judicial courts

Keywords

• technology transfer
• illegal or hardcore restrictions
• competition law
• intellectual property law
• restrictive practices
• license
• agreements