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Action 22: Promote standard-setting rules

The action aims at promoting appropriate rules for essential intellectual property rights and licensing conditions in standard-setting, in particular through guidelines, by 2011.

The European Commission's Communication on standard-setting rules was adopted in January 2011. 

What is the problem?

Standard-setting can give rise to restrictive effects on competition by potentially restricting price competition and limiting or controlling production, markets, innovation or technical development.

Why is the EU action required?


Second, standards that set detailed technical specifications for a product or service may limit technical development and innovation. While a standard is being developed, alternative technologies can compete for inclusion in the standard. Once one technology has been chosen and the standard has been set, competing technologies and companies may face a barrier to entry and may potentially be excluded from the market.


What has the Commission done up to now?

What will the Commission do next?

The European Commission will follow the impact of the guidelines carefully by continuing interacting with the stakeholders.

Progress Report

Ken Ducatel

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