Exempted certain technology transfer agreements from the UK's Chapter I prohibition on anti-competitive practices, effective from May 2026.

This Order establishes a block exemption from the Chapter I prohibition of the Competition Act 1998 for specific technology transfer agreements involving the licensing or assignment of technology rights such as patents, know-how, and software copyright.

It directs that such agreements are exempt from competition law provided they meet specific market share thresholds and do not contain restricted anti-competitive clauses.

The Order applies to licensors and licensees operating in the United Kingdom and empowers the Competition and Markets Authority to withdraw the exemption in individual cases where an agreement is found to be anti-competitive.

The Order amended the 2001 Block Exemption Order to remove its sunset clause, revised definitions for connecting services and vehicle classification, eliminated the definition of "working day," and set a new mandatory review schedule beginning in 2031.

This Order, enacted in exercise of powers under the Competition Act 1998, amends the Competition Act 1998 (Public Transport Ticketing Schemes Block Exemption) Order 2001 following a recommendation from the Competition and Markets Authority.

The key changes involve removing the fixed expiration date for the exemption, thereby making it permanent unless reviewed, adjusting definitions related to connecting services—specifically regarding trunk bus services—and removing the definition of a "working day" to align with the main Act.

The document confirms the amendments extend across England, Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, and sets a new mandatory review date of 1st January 2031.