Download - St.Martin Conference 2009 November 12, 2009 Leniency Programme – Access to File, Discovery Rules
St.Martin Conference 2009November 12, 2009Leniency Programme – Access to File, Discovery Rules
Vladimíra Glatzová, Glatzová & Co.
Importance of Confidentiality for Leniency
• Confidentiality - condition sine qua non for Leniency.
• Two Risks of Leakage of Information: – leakage of information on leniency proceedings
to other cartel members
– leakage of information about cartel to consumers
Leniency Proceedings
• Leniency Application
• Opening of Administrative Proceedings (opening of the file)
• Dawn-rides (místní šetření)
• Statement of Objections (sdělení výhrad)
Confidentiality of Leniency Documents
• Access to File– When?
» Opening of proceedings
– By whom? » Participants to proceedings» Third parties with legal interest
• Content of File
- Corporate Statement excluded until SO,
- Business secret entirely excluded from file
Conflict with Discovery Rules
• Discovery Rules– incriminating Leniency documents might be
requested in private civil actions for damage– namely USA (+England and Wales,
Germany)
hamper effectiveness of Leniency Programme– potential economic harms in the form of
damages x economic benefit of Leniency Programme
Conflict with Discovery Rules 2
• Consequence Oral Leniency– attempt to frustrate discovery requests
• Possible solution of conflict – application of Principle of International Comity– possible exemption of Leniency documents
from discovery based on Rule 26– current downsides: inconsistency of
interpretation of the principle by courts
Conclusion 1
• Relevant changes in Czech legislation to be adopted to secure confidentiality:– access to file only after SO– no access for third parties
Conclusion 2
• Consistency in application and interpretation of the Principle of International Comity to be ensured
