Yearbook of Antitrust and Regulatory Studies (Dec 2014)
Fishing Expeditions and Subsequent Electronic Searches in the Light of the Principle of Proportionality of Inspections in Competition Law Cases in Europe
Abstract
Inspections carried out in competition law cases are undoubtedly an effective instrument of competition law enforcement since they constitute an efficient means to obtain relevant evidence. Nevertheless, this institution often leads to a serious interference with the sphere of an undertaking’s rights, in particular the right to defence. Several problems can be observed when it comes to the conduct of inspections in the framework of competition law in Europe. These relate, inter alia, to the right to defence, including the privilege against self-incrimination and legal professional privilege, right to privacy, right to an effective remedy and the principle of proportionality. Most of these questions are common to various European states since they emerge at the level of the European Union, in old and new EU Member States (such as Poland) as well as in countries outside the EU (Switzerland). This paper focuses on the questions of fishing expeditions and subsequent electronic searches. They are analysed mostly in the light of the principle of proportionality. The paper presents selected controversies and developments in relation to the powers of inspection granted to competition authorities as well as procedural safeguards available to undertakings.
