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Competition Law Center

Established by GW Law

The Competition Law Center (CLC) advances the effective design and operation of competition law systems in the United States and globally. Established in March 2008 by the George Washington University Law School, the CLC was founded through a generous cy pres award from the United States District Court for the District of Columbia.

Under the leadership of Professor William E. Kovacic, the CLC applies extensive international experience to advise governments on how to improve the performance of institutions entrusted with the implementation of competition laws. The CLC seeks to strengthen the capacity of countries, through public enforcement and private rights of action, to ensure the effective development of competition policy.

  News and Events

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GW Law’s Antitrust Discussion Group Explores Public Interest and Policy in South Africa

March 26, 2025

On March 26, 2025, GW Law’s Antitrust Discussion Group explored the intersection of public interest and competition policy in South Africa and discussed recent U.S. antitrust developments, including the reported dismissal of two FTC Commissioners.

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Adapting Competition Law for the Digital Age: Insights from the Innovation Ecosystem Conference

March 12, 2025

On March 11, 2025, the "Innovation Ecosystem" conference in London brought together experts to discuss merger control, digital markets, and competition policy. Professor William Kovacic highlighted the need for evolving antitrust approaches and greater global cooperation in the digital era.

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GW Competition Law Center Launches Antitrust Discussion Group

February 21, 2025

GW Competition Law Center launched the Antitrust Discussion Group on February 20, 2025, bringing students together to explore current challenges in competition law through guided discussions led by Professor William Kovacic and Dr. Liat Davis.

 

 

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  CLC Programs

In cooperation with Oxford University’s Centre for Competition Law and Policy, the CLC edits the Journal of Antitrust Enforcement (JAE), which is published by Oxford University Press. The JAE provides a forum for articles focused on issues related to the design and operation of competition law regimes.

In 2012, in cooperation with the Institute of Competition Law and the journal Concurrences, the CLC established a program of Antitrust Writing Awards to recognize important academic research and commentary by practitioners.

The CLC also conducts its own competition policy research. As of 2013, the CLC publishes a benchmarking report that analyzes over 120 competition law systems according to important institutional characteristics. This project formed part of the United Nations Conference on Trade & Development Research Partnership Platform. Additionally, the CLC has created a unique database that includes profiles for worldwide competition systems.

Current Research   

The CLC consults with competition agencies around the world on the design and implementation of competition law. Among other topics, the Center provides competition agencies with advice on the organization, management, strategy, and the setting of priorities. These advisory functions benefit from the CLC’s research program and from lessons derived from the intensive examination of individual competition systems.

The CLC also provides educational programs for competition agencies and collateral institutions (such as courts and professional societies) whose work is important to the successful implementation of competition law.

The Competition Law Center (CLC) organizes conferences, seminars, and workshops to foster dialogue on competition policy issues, bringing together academics, business leaders, government officials, judges, and practitioners. One of its key annual events is the "Bill Kovacic Salon," held every second semester in collaboration with Concurrences. This event explores the most pressing and current topics in antitrust law, both in the U.S. and globally.


Since 2022, the CLC has also partnered with CeCo to organize the Annual Forum on Competition Law in Developing Countries. This forum attracts practitioners from around the world and serves as a platform to present the Perception Survey on Latin American Authorities, sparking discussions on regional antitrust challenges.


Additionally, the CLC hosts a Student Antitrust Discussion Group every semester. This group, composed of GWU students from diverse countries, dives into antitrust issues across jurisdictions, encouraging cross-cultural learning and collaboration.

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The CLC engages GW students in all phases of its programs. Students contribute to research projects, help organize conferences, and assist in consultation and educational projects for competition policy systems. Additionally, GW students that have a keen interest in competition may apply for a fellowship position at the CLC.

 

 

 

 

 
William Kovacic

"The Competition Law Center (CLC) focuses on the performance of institutions essential to the implementation of competition laws. Continuing improvements in the design and operation of the implementing institutions are necessary for success."

William E. Kovacic
Director, Competition Law Center

 

 

 

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For more information or inquiries about the Competition Law Center, please feel free to reach out to us.