Resumen de Online Platforms and Selective Distribution: Coty Ruling Addresses Topical E- Commerce Issues

Katri Havu, Neža Zupančič

• This contribution discusses the preliminary ruling in Coty (C-230/16) in which the European Court of Justice addresses competition law ambiguities pertaining to selective distribution, in particular with respect to the use of third-party online platforms as a distribution channel. Importantly, the judgment confirms that suppliers of luxury products can prohibit authorised distributors from selling goods on general online platforms. This contribution analyses the ruling and discusses selective distribution, preserving a luxury or prestigious product image, and vertical agreements in the context of e-commerce.