The entry into force of the Consumer Rights Act 2015 (“CRA15”) on 1 October 2015 sees the overhaul of the private enforcement regime in England & Wales. The CRA15, which amends both the Competition Act 1998 and the Enterprise Act 2002, introduces a number of significant reforms to the current regime, in particular ‘opt-out’ collective actions and collective settlements. In addition, from 1 October 2015, the Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) will have the jurisdiction to hear ‘stand-alone’ cases and to grant injunctions. Other key features of the new regime include the creation of a ‘fast-track’ procedure for straightforward claims; the harmonisation of the limitation period applicable to claims in the CAT with that of the High Court; and the introduction of voluntary redress schemes approved by the Competition and Markets Authority.View full memo, Consumer Rights Act 2015: Private Actions for Breaches of Competition Law – Overview of the New Regime
