To embed, copy and paste the code into your website or blog: The European Commission has now published its proposed draft of the new EU rules, which will govern distribution agreements until 2032. These are set to replace the current EU Vertical Block Exemption Regulation (VBER) and Vertical Guidelines, which expire on 31 May 2022. The draft proposed texts present some positive aspects for brands. These include increased flexibility for structuring their distribution arrangements in Europe, clarity in relation to applying different prices and criteria for online retailers, and welcomed comfort on how price monitoring software, online advertising restrictions, and website e-concession arrangements are likely to be assessed under the law. Conversely, the proposals also introduce some question marks and potentially stricter rules for brands who sell directly to consumers in competition with their resellers (notably marketplaces), as well as regarding the extent to which different distribution models at the wholesale and retail level can be combined in the same territory.