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Industry associations can serve useful, pro-competitive purposes, but the risk of encountering a competition law issue in the context of trade associations is significant. This guide is an information resource about competition law compliance risk in the context of trade associations.

1. 1. 1

      [Joining a trade association

      You must inform [insert, eg the legal department] if you are joining a trade association. See our [Contact with competitor form].]

   1. 2

      Trade association meetings

      1. 2.1

         Before attending a meeting

         1. 2.1.1

            Insist on an agenda.

         1. 2.1.2

            Review the agenda in advance:

            1. (a)

               satisfy yourself that agenda topics are permissible (see sections 2.2 and 4);

            1. (b)

               if in doubt, seek advice from [insert, eg the legal team] or, if there is no time to seek advice, do not attend the meeting.

      1. 2.2

         Topics of conversation to avoid

         Just as you must avoid discussing sensitive business topics with competitors during informal meetings, you must avoid these sorts of discussions in the context of trade associations. This includes conversations with competitors during formal trade association meetings, related social events and casual encounters before or after trade association meetings or social events. Topics to avoid discussing include:

         1. 2.2.1

            non-public information on prices