Morellato, a leading operator in the production and sale of jewellery and watches, is alleged to have adopted a contractual strategy vis-à-vis its distributors which could restrict competition on the online distribution channel

The Italian Competition Authority has launched an investigation into Morellato S.p.A. over a suspected violation of article 101 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (TFEU), consisting in adopting commercial terms prohibiting authorised distributors from selling its products on online marketplaces and third-party platforms. The company is a leading operator in the jewellery and watch sector, active in the production, marketing and sale of products both under its own brand and a portfolio of proprietary and licensed brands (Sector No Limits, Philip Watch, Lucien Rochat, Live Diamond, Oui&Me, La Petite Story, Chronostar, FAVS, Bluespirit, CHRIST, Brinckmann & Lange, Cleor, D’Amante, Noélie, Maserati, Chiara Ferragni, Trussardi, Esprit, Jette, Guido Maria Kretschmer). Morellato entered into selective distribution agreements expressly prohibiting retailers from selling its products on online marketplaces, while retaining the right to do so itself, including through dedicated stores on digital sales platforms (such as Amazon). According to the Authority, by prohibiting the use of third-party platforms in its distribution agreements, Morellato may be preventing its distributors from effectively using the Internet to sell products to particular customers or territories, contrary to Regulation (EU) 720/2022 of the European Commission.

An inspection at the premises of Morellato S.p.A. was carried out yesterday by the Authority’s officials, assisted by the Special Antitrust Unit of the Italian Financial Police (Guardia di Finanza).

Rome, 26 March 2025