In July 2020, to deal with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Competition & Consumer Commission of Singapore (“CCCS“) issued a Guidance Note on Collaborations between Competitors in response to the COVID-19 Pandemic (“COVID-19 Guidance Note“) to provide clarity to businesses on how CCCS would treat collaborations between competitors during these exceptional times, as well as examples of collaborations that would fall under the COVID-19 Guidance Note. The COVID-19 Guidance Note, however, is due to expire 31 July 2021.
On 23 July 2021, CCCS confirmed that the COVID-19 Guidance Note will no longer apply from 31 July 2021. Interestingly, however, CCCS announced its intention to consult on an upcoming draft General Business Collaboration Guidance Note to provide businesses with more clarity on common collaborations between competitors.
Visit our COVID-19 Resource Centre for views from our lawyers across the region on common issues and legal implications brought about by COVID-19. For specific inquiries, please reach out to your relationship partner or send an email to our COVID-19 Legal Team.
For more information, click here to read the full Legal Update.