European Business Law: Competing in Europe

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/eu-competition-law

Introduction

**Course Review and Recommendation: European Business Law: Competing in Europe on Coursera** In an increasingly integrated global marketplace, understanding the legal landscape in which businesses operate is crucial for success, especially within the European Union (EU). Coursera’s six-week course, *European Business Law: Competing in Europe*, stands as a beacon for anyone aiming to navigate the complex waters of EU law and its implications for business. This course not only offers a sound knowledge base of European laws and regulations but also enriches the learning experience with insights from leading law practitioners in the field. ### Course Overview This course is the third installment in a trilogy that delves into critical aspects of European business law. It focuses on equipping learners with the necessary tools to compete effectively in the internal market while protecting their brands against potential legal challenges. ### Course Syllabus Breakdown The course is thoughtfully structured into six modules, each addressing various core topics essential for understanding European business law: 1. **Trademarks as Essential Assets**: This module introduces learners to the significance of trademarks, emphasizing their role as invaluable business assets. It covers the evolution of intellectual property law, key legal sources, and trademark strategies, empowering learners to effectively protect their brands. 2. **Defending Patents**: The second module navigates the intricacies of patent law, including how to secure and capitalize on patent rights. By weighing the advantages and pitfalls, learners gain a comprehensive understanding of the patent system and strategies for leveraging patents in business transactions. 3. **Competition: Illegal Cooperation**: Understanding competitive practices is vital for businesses operating in Europe. This module elucidates the European competition regime, specifically focusing on anti-competitive behavior, relevant regulations, and what constitutes a breach of competition law. 4. **Competition: Abuse of Dominance and Mergers**: Diving deeper into the competition law framework, this module examines the concept of abuse of dominance under Article 102 TFEU and provides an overview of merger regulations and their oversight within the EU. 5. **Selling to the State and State Aid**: This module explores the intersection of law, politics, and economics, focusing on Public Procurement law within the EU. Understanding state aid control systems and assessment procedures is crucial for businesses looking to deal with public entities. 6. **Legal Writing and Argumentation (Optional)**: Enhancing legal skills, this optional module equips learners with the tools to develop effective legal arguments. By focusing on advocacy strategies and persuasive writing, it prepares students for real-world legal challenges. ### Why You Should Enroll * **Expert Instructors**: With inputs and insights from experienced law practitioners, the course offers real-world perspectives that enhance the theoretical knowledge. * **Practical Application**: The course's focus on practical aspects ensures that learners understand how to apply their knowledge in real business scenarios—vital for lawyers, business professionals, and students alike. * **Flexibility**: The online format allows for self-paced learning, making it accessible for busy professionals and students who wish to deepen their understanding of European business law without the constraints of a traditional classroom setting. * **Career Advancement**: With a thorough understanding of EU business law, you position yourself strategically in the job market, whether you're aiming for a career in law, business, or international relations. ### Conclusion In a world where business operations cross borders effortlessly, understanding the legal frameworks governing those interactions is more important than ever. The *European Business Law: Competing in Europe* course on Coursera provides a comprehensive, engaging, and insightful dive into EU business laws and regulations. Its combination of legal fundamentals, practical applications, and the perspectives of seasoned professionals makes it a highly recommendable course for anyone looking to thrive in the European market. If you aspire to compete effectively and protect your business interests in Europe, this course is a must-take!

Syllabus

Trademarks as Essential Assets

The first module examines trademarks, one of the most valuable assets that a company actually has. It gives a brief description of the history of intellectual property law (IP) protection. The module considers the main sources of law, case law and pertinent trademark strategies. It also looks at how a proprietor can exercise their trademark rights in a useful way, successfully preventing a third party from using an identical or similar sign.

The second module examines the role patents play in business transactions. It examines strategies and advantages/disadvantages of patent protection. The module looks into the substantive rules regarding the requirements for patent protection and how to obtain a patent. It introduces strategies to capitalize and possibilities to license rights to third parties. Finally, it discusses potential ways to misuse a patent.

The third module gives an overview of the European competition regime. Competition is a key element of an open market economy that stimulates European economic performance. The module describes the three core regulations pertinent to European competition law, including article 101 and 102 TFEU, as well as the European Merger Regulation. It considers how particular agreements or behaviour is anti-competitive and the four main aspects when establishing a breach of article 101 TFEU.

The module examines article 102 TFEU, which prohibits the abuse of a dominant position within the internal market. It also provides an overview of secondary law and EU merger regulations. The module provides a brief history of merger regulations in the EU, the substantive elements and finally, the procedural rules in merger cases. The last three lectures provides practical aspects of competition law, looking at how the Commission carries out an investigation, its powers to reach a conclusion and to implement sanctions.

The fifth module addresses some of the key interactions taking place between law, politics and economics. It considers the role Public Procurement law plays within the EU and the main legal framework. It outlines the State aid control system and the procedural elements of the State aid assessment.

The final module includes a series of lectures on how to create a legal argument and present it to a court. It focuses on universally applicable advocacy strategies, without regard to the particular legal system in which the learner practice or study. It includes classical rhetoric while also considering practical aspects of constructing a persuasive written argument. It concludes with a lecture on structuring an oral argument and its delivery.