Brussels, 30/06/2009 (Agence Europe) - The Commission should read more carefully the argument pout forward by pharmaceutical company GlaxoSmithKline, which is seeking exemption from certain EU competition rules. That is the opinion of the Advocate General of the Court of Justice, Verica Trstenjak, in her opinion on Tuesday 30 June.
In 2001, the Commission took action against the company for charging its Spanish intermediaries differing prices depending on whether they sold their products inside Spain or in another member state. This measure was to restrict parallel trade in medicines made by GlaxoSmithKline. The company argued that Community rules allow for an exception for agreements needed to ensure the promotion of technical progress. According to the Advocate General, the Commission must give “detailed” examination to the full case made by GlaxoSmithKline in support of this argument. The final ruling by the Court is expected in the coming months. (C.D./transl.rt)