Collusion in Technical Development: A Perspective on EC’s Emission Cleaning Judgement

In July 2021, the European Commission (EC) came out with a decision in matter involving issue of collusion technical development reference to emission cleaning for new diesel passenger cars. The said is first its kind, wherein EC ruled that meeting minds amongst competitors placed at horizontal level view limit and competition on innovation area technologies cars amounts cartelisation, leading imposition penalty five colluding parties. Taking clues from above ruling EC, this paper, by using doctrinal research methods, establishes parallel between technology lock-in, network externalities, so far as their anti-competitive outcomes are concerned provides that, both technological lock-in collusion, markets fail produce efficient/competitive outcome. paper supplements existing literature advocating prompt regulatory intervention situations correct market aberrations. Even though under relates cars, similar conduct may be present other sectors. Accordingly, suggests action authorities ensure effective fields benefit society whole through availability innovative products competitive prices favourable impact environment.