St.Martin Conference 2009 November 12, 2009 Leniency 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

Thank you for listening! Glatzova & Co., v.o.s Husova 5, Praha 1