The UK Government shares proposals for consumers and businesses to bring collective damages claims against competition law infringers

UK GOVERNMENT ANNOUNCES PROPOSALS FOR AN "OPT-OUT" COLLECTIVE COMPETITION DAMAGES ACTION * On 29 January 2013, the UK Government’s Department for Business, Innovation & Skills announced new proposals designed to improve the ability for consumers and businesses to bring collective damages claims against competition law infringers. The new proposals contain novelties that should make it easier for consumers and businesses to claim damages for loss arising out of competition infringements. While this may increase the financial exposure of the infringers, it could also introduce a greater degree of clarity as to the procedural rights of both sides, and provide infringers with the possibility to settle matters quickly and with limited publicity. The UK Government’s new proposals,