Technology transfer agreements and competition law
How the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) applies the Chapter I prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 to technology transfer agreements.
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This guidance explains how the CMA applies the Chapter I prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 to technology transfer agreements, meaning agreements in which one party authorises another to use certain industrial property rights (such as patents, design rights, software copyrights and know-how) for the production of goods or services.
The guidance describes the application of the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Order 2026 (the TTBEO), in order to help businesses assess whether technology transfer agreements fall within the scope of the TTBEO or otherwise comply with competition law.
The CMA has also published an accompanying overview for businesses seeking an introduction to the competition rules on technology transfer agreements, and the main points to consider when assessing whether an agreement falls within the TTBEO. It should be read alongside the full guidance.