Price Parity Clauses on Internet Platform Markets

Inhaltsverzeichnis (Table of Contents)

• Introduction
• Legal framework and case study
  • Legal perspective
  • The Amazon case
• Platform Markets
  • Definition
  • Critical mass
  • Pricing
  • Multi-homing
• Price Parity Clauses
  • General
  • Meeting-Competition
  • Most Favored Customer
  • Combinations
  • Exclusive contracts
  • Predatory pricing and limit pricing
• Application on Internet Platform Markets
  • Meeting-Competition
  • Most Favored Customer
  • Exclusive contracts
  • Predatory pricing and limit pricing
• Conclusions

Zielsetzung und Themenschwerpunkte (Objectives and Key Themes)

This master thesis aims to analyze the impact of price parity clauses on internet platform markets. It focuses on the legal framework, the economic theory behind platform markets, and the specific application of price parity clauses in this context. The thesis examines the potential consequences of these clauses for competition, consumer welfare, and the overall development of the internet economy.

• The legal framework and regulation of price parity clauses
• The economic characteristics of platform markets
• The potential impact of price parity clauses on competition and consumer welfare
• The role of platform operators in shaping market dynamics
• The future of internet platform markets in the context of evolving regulations and technological advancements

Zusammenfassung der Kapitel (Chapter Summaries)

The introduction provides a comprehensive overview of the significance of internet platform markets and the growing importance of price parity clauses. It highlights the economic and legal challenges posed by these clauses, setting the stage for the subsequent analysis.

Chapter 2 delves into the legal framework governing price parity clauses, examining relevant case law and the legal perspective on their potential antitrust implications. It focuses on the Amazon case, which has been a pivotal point of contention in the debate surrounding these clauses.

Chapter 3 provides a detailed analysis of platform markets, defining their key characteristics, including critical mass, pricing strategies, and multi-homing. It explores the economic forces that drive platform market dynamics and their influence on competition and consumer behavior.

Chapter 4 examines different types of price parity clauses, including meeting-competition, most favored customer, and exclusive contracts. It analyzes the potential economic and legal implications of these clauses, considering their impact on market power and consumer welfare.

Chapter 5 applies the theoretical framework developed in previous chapters to the specific context of internet platform markets. It analyzes the effects of different types of price parity clauses on competition and consumer welfare, highlighting potential concerns and benefits.

Schlüsselwörter (Keywords)

This thesis focuses on price parity clauses, platform markets, competition, consumer welfare, antitrust law, internet economy, Amazon, platform operators, multi-homing, and legal framework. It investigates the economic and legal implications of price parity clauses and their impact on the dynamic and competitive nature of online marketplaces.