Application of the Chapter I Prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 to Technology Transfer Agreements

The CMA is launching its consultation on draft guidance on the application of the Chapter I prohibition in the Competition Act 1998 (CA98) to technology transfer agreements. The purpose of the draft guidance under consultation is to explain how the CMA applies the Chapter I prohibition to technology transfer agreements. Background The draft guidance in particular describes the application of the Technology Transfer Block Exemption Order 2026 (the TTBEO) , in order to help businesses assess whether technology transfer agreements fall within the scope of the TTBEO. The TTBEO, which enters into force on 1 May 2026, reflects (subject to some minor modifications) the CMA’s 30 September 2025 Final Recommendation to the Secretary of State for Business and Trade that he replace the Assimilated Technology Transfer Block Exemption Regulation with a UK block exemption order. The CA98 prohibits agreements between businesses that res