ABSTRACT
This book seeks to resolve the tension that may potentially arise in the field of standard setting between intellectual property rights (IPRs) and competition law. On the one hand, IPRs are exclusive rights which confer on innovators the power to exclude other firms from the protected business or invention. IPRs represent the incentives undertakings need in order to invest in costly and time-consuming innovation. On the other hand, competition rules aim to ensure a level playing field in the marketplace, prohibiting conduct that may lead to any abuse of market power. Their ultimate goal is to enhance consumer welfare and societal growth.
