Econometrics and Antitrust Law - A Conceptual Clarification

GCLC Working Paper 03/08

61 Pages Posted: 4 Sep 2008 Last revised: 16 Sep 2008

See all articles by Nicolas Petit

Nicolas Petit

European University Institute - Department of Law (LAW)

Ermano Fegatilli

University of Liège

Date Written: September 3, 2008

Abstract

The present paper reviews in a plain language and with only limited statistical formalization, the virtues of econometrics in the field of competition law. Following a brief introduction to the origins of econometrics, we explain first that econometrics provides assistance to decision-making in a variety of fields (merger control, abuse of dominance, etc.). Second, we show that econometrics also constitute a decision-reading instrument, which may assist competition agencies, courts, firms and their counsels in understanding the content of the law. The econometric models discussed in the paper are illustrated by examples coming from well-known legal cases. Our conclusion is that in light of the novel sophisticated issues arising in antitrust enforcement (damages estimation, etc.), the nascent "econometrics of competition law" exhibit promising features.

Note: Downloadable document is in French.

Keywords: Econometrics, competition law, antitrust law, mergers, abuse of dominance

Suggested Citation

Petit, Nicolas and Fegatilli, Ermano, Econometrics and Antitrust Law - A Conceptual Clarification (September 3, 2008). GCLC Working Paper 03/08, Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=1262722 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.1262722

Nicolas Petit (Contact Author)

European University Institute - Department of Law (LAW) ( email )

Via Bolognese 156 (Villa Salviati)
50-139 Firenze
Italy

Ermano Fegatilli

University of Liège ( email )

B-4000 Liege
Belgium

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
803
Abstract Views
4,582
Rank
56,558
PlumX Metrics