W@CompetitionDE Talk: The Elephant in the Room – A Look at Data Cooperation, Compliance Risks and Competition along the AI Value Chain

Many digital and industrial applications today require companies to share or analyse data collectively. This panel explores the antitrust conditions under which such data collaborations are permissible, as well as the risks that may arise – such as those involving sensitive information, market transparency, or potential coordination. It also examines the role that guidelines, compliance safeguards, and preliminary regulatory assessments can play in enhancing legal certainty. Speakers include:

Dr. Kathrin Haag (Senior Associate, A&O Shearman)
Prof. Dr. Gabriela von Wallenberg (formerly of OTH Regensburg)
Anna Hochmuth (Legal Counsel, AUDI AG)
Dr. Saskia Kirchgessner (Partner, Gleiss Lutz)
Ulrike König (Senior Counsel Competition, Siemens AG)
Dr. Ulrike Suchsland (Senior Legal and Tax Advisor, BDI e.V.)

The Elephant in the Room: Competition Policy Challenges Along the AI Value Chain

Moderated by Dr. Linda Gratz (Vice President, Compass Lexecon), this session will feature insights from Dr. Ann-Katrin Siekemeier (Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy) regarding the work of the expert commission on "Competition and Artificial Intelligence"—specifically focusing on the competition policy challenges discussed and the recommendations developed to date. Following this, Dr. Ulrike Menden (Bundeskartellamt) will outline current key topics and relevant proceedings being handled by the Bundeskartellamt in the field of AI. Finally, Kristina Music (Associate at Jones Day) will address the issue of data access, examining it as an "essential input" and a potential source of market power.