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Understanding the Marks Electrical Consumer Protection Enforcement Case
The Marks Electrical consumer protection enforcement case highlights ongoing efforts by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) to tackle unfair online pricing practices, ensuring transparency and protecting shoppers from hidden charges.
As specialists in competition and consumer law at The Competition Lawyers, we are committed to keeping consumers and businesses informed about key developments in market fairness.
The Marks Electrical consumer protection enforcement case could represent a pivotal moment in the UK’s efforts to enhance online shopping transparency, particularly in the homeware sector. Launched by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) in late 2025, this investigation underscores the growing scrutiny on digital retail practices that could mislead or disadvantage shoppers. With household budgets under pressure from economic challenges, cases like this are crucial for ensuring that consumers receive clear, upfront information about costs and options during their purchasing journey.
Emma Group Consumer Protection Case Update: CMA Escalates Over Online Pressure Tactics
The Competition Lawyers continues to track the key developments in the high-profile Emma Group consumer protection case update.
Launched in November 2022 and now reportedly heading to a full trial in June 2026, this landmark investigation by the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) could reshape how e-commerce businesses use urgency claims, countdown timers, and “was/now” pricing across the UK. We look at a comprehensive breakdown available outside of the official case file.
Ticketmaster Consumer Protection Case
The Ticketmaster consumer protection case has sparked a major investigation by the UK’s Competition and Markets Authority (CMA), focusing on whether the ticket-selling giant has breached consumer rights.
This case arose from concerns over how Ticketmaster manages ticket sales, including alleged issues of dynamic pricing, unclear fees, and high-pressure sales tactics. If proven, these practices may have cost consumers millions and potentially violated important consumer protection laws.
The CMA’s investigation seeks to hold Ticketmaster accountable if any wrongdoing has occurred. At The Competition Lawyers, we are closely monitoring this case to ensure that those affected are informed of their rights and understand how to claim compensation if Ticketmaster is found to be in breach of the law.
CMA investigation into suspected anti-competitive pharmaceuticals agreements
In late 2017, the CMA released a statement announcing that it had begun an investigation into suspected anti-competitive pharmaceuticals agreements between “various parties”.
The pharmaceutical companies under review were kept anonymous until 2019. Then, according to the CMA, they alleged that Alliance Pharmaceuticals, Focus, Lexon, and Medreich had reportedly made agreements to not compete in regard to supplying anti-nausea drug Prochlorperazine.
In January, the CMA published an update regarding their investigation, which was set to conclude in Autumn 2021. As the case approaches its end, we look back at investigation so far and assess the potential damage the anti-competitive agreements may have caused.
Precast concrete drainage cartel – appeal denied
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has previously confirmed the denial of an appeal made by FP McCann Ltd, a company understood to be involved in an alleged precast concrete drainage cartel, who reportedly sought to evade the £2.5m issued to them for their reported infringement of competition law.
The earlier update with regards to the cartel investigation marks an end to the four-year legal case. It is understood that several companies had previously either admitted to their illegal practice or accepted penalties, while FP McCann lodged an appeal in December 2019 with the hope that the ruling would be overturned.
The CMA’s final decision looks to mark a victory for businesses and consumers across the UK, setting an example that any form of illegal price-fixing and collusion will not be tolerated by the watchdog.
Hand sanitiser pricing under regulatory review
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has been looking into hand sanitiser pricing over concerns that important competition laws may be being breached.
Last month, the CMA announced that they were looking into the matter that is undoubtedly tied to how the use of such products has changed during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Although the investigation only started last month, and no assumptions are being made, there have been some significant changes and developments so far.
Clearly, given how the markets for such products has changed over the last few months, this is an important matter that needs to be looked into.
Berkshire residential estate agents competition case
Here’s the latest news involving the Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) investigation into alleged competition infringements involving Berkshire residential estate agents.
The investigation was launched in early 2018 on the basis that the CMA suspected that there may be infringements of important competition law. In June last year, the CMA issued a formal statement of objections to four estate agents with allegations of breaches, and a settlement was reached with two agents in October. More fines were then issued at the end of last year.
In the often-volatile property market, competition law breaches that leave buyers and sellers paying more simply cannot go unpunished.
CMA issue substantial Fender competition breach fine
The Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) has issued a substantial Fender competition breach fine in the sum of £4.5m.
The fine has been issued almost two years after an investigation into the prominent guitar maker was opened. In its ruling, the CMA has confirmed that Fender has admitted to breaking competition law by restricting prices for UK retailers. The fine that has been issued is therefore subject to the CMA’s leniency and cooperation protocols, which can see penalties reduced.
This is a key ruling given the size of this growing market and the fact that Fender is one of the major players in the sector.
Provisional finding in drug price hikes case
The UK’s competition regulator has made a provisional finding in the longstanding investigation into drug price hikes, and the outcome is damning.
Issues surrounding pharmaceutical competition breaches are numerous and serious. At the end of the day, the consumer in these cases is patients and the NHS; that’s our tax money.
Any infringement of vital competition laws when it comes to medical matters should always lead to significant punishments, and the work of the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority) in this area is incredibly important. The provisional finding in this matter accompanies an admission from one of the companies involved as well.
Anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs: statement of objections issued
In the latest investigation into suspected anti-competitive agreements for pharmaceutical drugs, a statement of objections has been issued by the CMA (Competition and Markets Authority).
The statement was issued last month and relates to a number of pharmaceutical companies who stand accused of participating in anti-competitive behaviour. Whether it’s a case of formal agreements in place, or concerted practices, the issue surrounds the supply of 50mg and 100mg nitrofurantoin capsules in the UK.
This investigation by the CMA into the practices of pharmaceutical firms is one of many that have been ongoing for a number of years. They’re one of the most important areas the CMA needs to safeguard.