Court of Justice considers use of the ‘trade mark or equivalent’ derogation in public procurement technical specifications (‘Roche Lietuva’ UAB v Kauno Dainavos poliklinika VšĮ)

Article summary

Public Law analysis: The Court of Justice has endorsed the use of the ‘trade name or equivalent’ derogation during a public procurement process, but has made it clear that it can only be used where strictly necessary, and where proportionate in an EU law sense. However, where it is justified by an important fundamental community interest, like the protection of the public health, the public authority will be accorded a wide margin of appreciation. Written by Adam Heppinstall, barrister at Henderson Chambers. Sign in or take a trial to read the full analysis.