Protecting the innovator, not only the innovation the antitrust assement of innovation maverick acquisitions

Resumen

This paper explores the antitrust assessment of innovation maverick acquisitions, a category of firms that continuously introduce new products, technologies, or business models, disrupting markets and driving competitors to innovate. While price mavericks have traditionally been the focus of antitrust analysis, innovation mavericks pose distinct challenges and may have a deeper impact on market dynamics. The acquisition of innovation mavericks may result in reduction of innovation efforts in the future of both the merging parties and across the market. The paper highlights the inadequacy of traditional antitrust framework, which tends to focus on price competition, and argues for the adoption of a new approach. By doing so, antitrust authorities can not only prevent  collusion but also promote long-term innovation incentives, ensuring that industries remain competitive and innovative. This paper takes the first step toward developing a framework for assessing innovation maverick acquisitions, emphasizing the importance of dynamic efficiencies and innovation competition.