EVIDENCIA GROK II

GROK’S CHOSEN SEARCHLINKS

#### 1. [Competition and Markets Authority (CMA) – Vodafone / Three Merger Inquiry](https://www.gov.uk/cma-cases/vodafone-three-merger-inquiry)
– **Purpose**: Official CMA investigation page with case documents, decisions, and updates—crucial for regulatory insights.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive behavior.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Reduced competition, higher prices, worse service quality.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “competition concerns” “final decision” “remedies”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by document type (e.g., Final Report, Provisional Findings, Undertakings).
– **Execution**:
1. Navigate to the case page and locate the search bar or document filter section.
2. Input keywords to retrieve specific documents like the Final Report or Undertakings.
3. Extract CMA findings on market concentration, pricing impacts, and service quality risks.
– **Expected Outcome**: Direct regulatory evidence of SLC and consumer harm, including any proposed remedies or commitments.

#### 2. [European Commission – Competition Policy](https://competition-policy.ec.europa.eu/index_en)
– **Purpose**: EU-wide competition law and merger decisions, offering a broader legal context.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, cross-border competition impacts.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Anti-competitive effects, market dominance.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications merger” “Vodafone” “Three” “competition decision”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by sector (Telecommunications), case type (Merger), date (last 5 years).
– **Execution**:
1. Access the site’s search or case database tool.
2. Apply filters to narrow results to telecom mergers.
3. Review decisions for EU precedents applicable to the UK market.
– **Expected Outcome**: Legal and regulatory insights into telecom merger impacts, reinforcing SLC arguments.

#### 3. [Ofcom – Telecommunications Market Data](https://www.ofcom.org.uk/research-and-data/telecoms-research/data-updates)
– **Purpose**: Official UK telecom market statistics on market shares, pricing, and service quality.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, higher prices, worse service quality.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Market concentration, consumer harm.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”mobile market share” “pricing trends” “service quality” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by date (last 3 years), data type (reports, datasets).
– **Execution**:
1. Use the search function to locate recent market reports or datasets.
2. Apply filters to focus on mobile operator data.
3. Analyze metrics showing market dominance, price increases, or service degradation.
– **Expected Outcome**: Empirical data to substantiate claims of market concentration and consumer harm.

#### 4. [OpenCorporates – Vodafone and Three Company Profiles](https://opencorporates.com/companies)
– **Purpose**: Corporate information on Vodafone and Three, including subsidiaries and ownership structures.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power consolidation.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Anti-competitive overlaps, hidden market control.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “subsidiaries” “ownership”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by jurisdiction (UK), company status (active).
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three profiles separately.
2. Apply filters to view active UK subsidiaries.
3. Map corporate structures to identify overlapping market influence.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of broader market control, supporting SLC and anti-competitive arguments.

#### 5. [BAILII – Competition Law Cases](https://www.bailii.org/form/search_cases.html)
– **Purpose**: UK court decisions on competition law, providing legal precedents.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive practices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Legal rulings on merger impacts.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications merger” “competition law” “substantial lessening of competition”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by court (e.g., Competition Appeal Tribunal), date (last 10 years).
– **Execution**:
1. Access the advanced search form.
2. Input keywords and apply court/date filters.
3. Review case summaries for precedents on telecom mergers or SLC.
– **Expected Outcome**: Legal backing for our competition concerns based on past rulings.

#### 6. [Global Competition Review – Telecommunications](https://globalcompetitionreview.com/sector/telecoms)
– **Purpose**: Expert analysis and news on telecom competition issues.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory scrutiny.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Expert opinions on merger impacts.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “competition analysis” “UK telecoms”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by date (last 2 years), content type (articles, analysis).
– **Execution**:
1. Use the site’s search tool.
2. Apply filters for recent, relevant content.
3. Extract expert insights on competition risks.
– **Expected Outcome**: Industry-specific evidence of merger-related competition threats.

#### 7. [House of Commons Library – Telecommunications](https://commonslibrary.parliament.uk/research-briefings/cbp-8393/)
– **Purpose**: Research briefings on UK telecom regulation and market trends.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, policy implications.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Market trends, consumer impacts.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”mobile network operators” “competition” “Vodafone Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by date (last 3 years), document type (briefings, reports).
– **Execution**:
1. Search for telecom-related briefings.
2. Apply filters to find recent documents.
3. Review for parliamentary perspectives on competition and consumer welfare.
– **Expected Outcome**: Policy-level insights into telecom market dynamics and merger risks.

#### 8. [TechCrunch – Vodafone Three Merger](https://techcrunch.com/tag/vodafone-three-merger/)
– **Purpose**: Technology news and analysis on the merger’s implications.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, innovation impact.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Technological and market effects.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three” “competition” “consumer impact”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by date (last year), content type (news, analysis).
– **Execution**:
1. Use the tag or search bar for “Vodafone Three merger.”
2. Apply filters for recent articles.
3. Analyze reports on innovation and consumer effects.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of potential innovation stifling and consumer harm.

#### 9. [The Guardian – Vodafone Three Merger](https://www.theguardian.com/business/vodafone-three-merger)
– **Purpose**: News and analysis on consumer and competition impacts.
– **Causes of Action**: Higher prices, worse service quality.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Consumer harm, reduced competition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “prices” “service quality”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by date (last year), section (Business).
– **Execution**:
1. Search for articles with keywords.
2. Apply filters for recent, business-focused content.
3. Extract evidence of price hikes or service issues.
– **Expected Outcome**: Public and expert concerns about consumer impacts.

#### 10. [Lexology – Competition Law](https://www.lexology.com/library/detail.aspx?g=category&cid=Competition-Law)
– **Purpose**: Legal analysis and commentary on competition law.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, legal challenges.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Expert legal opinions on merger risks.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications merger” “Vodafone Three” “competition law”`
– **Advanced Search Options**: Filter by jurisdiction (UK), date (last 2 years).
– **Execution**:
1. Navigate to the Competition Law category.
2. Input keywords and apply filters.
3. Review analyses for legal perspectives on the merger.
– **Expected Outcome**: Expert legal arguments against the merger’s compliance with competition law.

—

### Summary of Approach
These search links and strategies are designed to uncover:
– **Scientific Evidence**: Market data (Ofcom) and corporate structures (OpenCorporates) to quantify competition and pricing trends.
– **Legal Evidence**: Regulatory decisions (CMA, European Commission), court precedents (BAILII), and legal commentary (Lexology) to build a robust case against SLC.
– **Industry-Specific Evidence**: Expert analyses (Global Competition Review), tech news (TechCrunch), and policy briefings (House of Commons Library) to contextualize the merger’s impact on telecoms.

Execute these searches systematically on each site, adapting strategies based on actual search functionalities encountered. This approach ensures we gather new, granular evidence to strengthen our position against the Vodafone-Three merger, focusing on SLC, higher prices, and worse service quality.

1. [Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM)](https://consultas.oepm.es/)

– **Purpose**: Database of patents and trademarks, potentially indicating innovation dominance or market control by Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, entrenched market positions.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Patent or trademark concentration in telecom.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecomunicaciones” “redes móviles”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Type**: Patents, Trademarks
– **Status**: Active
– **Date Range**: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for patents and trademarks owned by Vodafone or Three.
2. Apply filters for type, status, and date.
3. Review for concentration in key telecom technologies (e.g., 5G) or branding.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of innovation or brand dominance that could reduce competition post-merger.

#### 2. [Public Insolvency Register (Publicador Concursal)](https://www.publicadorconcursal.es/)
– **Purpose**: Spanish insolvency register, potentially revealing financial instability of Vodafone or Three’s Spanish operations.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, financial instability affecting competition.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Insolvency proceedings.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “concurso de acreedores”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Status**: Ongoing, Closed
– **Execution**:
1. Search for insolvency proceedings involving Vodafone or Three.
2. Apply filters for date and status.
3. Review for financial distress that could impact service quality or competition.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of financial instability that might exacerbate merger effects.

#### 3. [BOE Insolvency Search](https://www.boe.es/buscar/concursos.php)
– **Purpose**: Official gazette for insolvency proceedings, offering legal and financial insights.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, financial instability.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Legal proceedings affecting market stability.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “concurso de acreedores”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Section**: Administration of Justice
– **Execution**:
1. Search for insolvency notices using company names.
2. Apply filters for date and section.
3. Review for legal proceedings or financial distress indicators.
– **Expected Outcome**: Official records supporting arguments of weakened competition due to financial issues.

#### 4. [Spanish Public Procurement Portal](https://contrataciondelestado.es/)
– **Purpose**: Database of public contracts, potentially indicating market dominance through government contracts.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power.
– **Findings of Infringement**: High contract awards to Vodafone or Three.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecomunicaciones” “servicios móviles” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Status**: Awarded
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for contracts using keywords.
2. Apply filters for sector, status, and date.
3. Quantify contracts awarded to Vodafone or Three to assess market share.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of market dominance that could lead to higher prices post-merger.

#### 5. [InfoSubvenciones](https://www.infosubvenciones.es/)
– **Purpose**: Database of government subsidies, potentially revealing financial support to Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, unfair competitive advantage.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Significant subsidies.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “subvenciones”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for subsidies granted to Vodafone or Three.
2. Apply filters for sector and date.
3. Review for financial support amounts and purposes (e.g., infrastructure).
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of government support that could skew competition and pricing.

#### 6. [Spanish College of Registrars](https://www.registradores.org/)
– **Purpose**: Access to property and commercial registers, offering corporate and financial data.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Corporate structures, financial health.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “registro mercantil”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Register Type**: Commercial Register
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three in the commercial register.
2. Apply filters for register type and date.
3. Review financial statements, ownership structures, or legal issues.
– **Expected Outcome**: Data showing market dominance or financial vulnerabilities affecting service quality.

#### 7. [Statistical Portal for Commercial Statistics](https://www.registradores.org/actualidad/portal-estadistico-registral/estadisticas-mercantiles)
– **Purpose**: Provides statistical data on commercial activities, potentially revealing market trends.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market concentration.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Telecom sector dominance.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecomunicaciones” “mercado móvil”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Execution**:
1. Search for telecom sector statistics.
2. Apply filters for date and sector.
3. Review for market concentration or dominance trends.
– **Expected Outcome**: Statistical evidence of a concentrated telecom market supporting SLC concerns.

#### 8. [Bank of Spain RSS Feeds](http://app.bde.es/rss_www/)
– **Purpose**: Provides economic data and financial reports, potentially impacting the merger.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, economic instability.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Economic indicators affecting telecom.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecomunicaciones” “competencia”`
– **Execution**:
1. Subscribe to relevant RSS feeds (e.g., economic reports, sector analyses).
2. Search for reports on telecom sector or economic indicators.
3. Review for data on market stability or competition pressures.
– **Expected Outcome**: Economic insights linking instability to reduced competition or service quality.

#### 9. [EU Trade Relationships](https://policy.trade.ec.europa.eu/eu-trade-relationships-country-and-region/countries-and-regions_en)
– **Purpose**: Information on EU trade policies, potentially affecting the telecom sector post-Brexit.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, international competition.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Trade policies impacting telecom.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “digital services” “UK” “Spain”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Region**: UK, Spain
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Execution**:
1. Search for trade policies using keywords.
2. Apply filters for region and sector.
3. Review for policies affecting telecom competition (e.g., post-Brexit regulations).
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of trade policies that could worsen competition issues post-merger.

—

### Summary of Approach
These strategies target evidence for:
– **Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC)**: Intellectual property dominance (OEPM), market power through contracts (Contratación del Estado), corporate structures (Registradores), statistical trends (Portal Estadístico), and trade policies (EU Trade Relationships).
– **Higher Prices**: Financial instability (Publicador Concursal, BOE), subsidies (InfoSubvenciones), and market dominance indicators.
– **Worse Service Quality**: Financial health issues (Registradores), economic instability (Bank of Spain), and procurement dominance.

By combining precise keywords with assumed advanced search options, these strategies ensure a granular and systematic approach to gathering new information and potential evidence to support our position against the Vodafone-Three merger. Execute these searches on each site, adapting as needed based on actual search functionalities encountered.

Search Strategies for Each Website

#### 1. [PACER (Public Access to Court Electronic Records)](https://www.pacer.gov/)
– **Purpose**: Database of US federal court records, potentially containing litigation involving Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive practices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Past or ongoing competition law disputes.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone antitrust” “Three merger litigation” “telecommunications competition law”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Case Type**: Antitrust, Competition
– **Jurisdiction**: Federal courts in telecom-heavy states (e.g., California, New York)
– **Date Range**: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Access the case search feature.
2. Input keywords and apply filters.
3. Review case summaries for competition or merger-related disputes.
– **Expected Outcome**: Legal precedents or ongoing cases supporting our SLC argument.

#### 2. [USAspending.gov](https://www.usaspending.gov/)
– **Purpose**: Tracks US federal spending, potentially revealing contracts or subsidies involving Vodafone or Three’s US operations.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Government reliance on these companies.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Agency**: Department of Defense, FCC
– **Contract Type**: Telecommunications-related
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three as contractors.
2. Apply filters for agency and contract type.
3. Quantify significant contracts or subsidies.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of market power through government contracts.

#### 3. [WIPO Brand Database](https://www.wipo.int/branddb/en/)
– **Purpose**: Database of trademarks, potentially indicating market presence or innovation dominance.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, entrenched market positions.
– **Findings of Infringement**: High number of trademarks.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Jurisdiction**: UK, EU
– **Status**: Active
– **Execution**:
1. Search for brand names or owners.
2. Apply filters for jurisdiction and status.
3. Review for trademark concentration.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of entrenched market positions supporting SLC concerns.

#### 4. [Open Ownership Register](https://www.openownership.org/en/register/)
– **Purpose**: Provides beneficial ownership data, potentially revealing hidden ties or conflicts of interest.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory evasion.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Complex ownership structures.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Jurisdiction**: UK
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names.
2. Apply jurisdiction filter.
3. Review ownership structures for hidden ties.
– **Expected Outcome**: Ownership data supporting SLC or regulatory evasion arguments.

#### 5. [Infocif.es](https://www.infocif.es/)
– **Purpose**: Spanish business information site, potentially revealing financial data on Vodafone and Three’s Spanish operations.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, EU market dominance.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Financial strength in key markets.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone España” “Three Spain”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names.
2. Apply filters for sector and date.
3. Review financial statements or market share data.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of dominance in the Spanish market.

#### 6. [Spanish Conflict of Interest Declarations](https://www.hacienda.gob.es/es-ES/SecretariaDeEstadoDeFuncionPublica/OficinaConflictoIntereses/Paginas/DeclaracionesdealtoscargosdelaAGE.aspx)
– **Purpose**: Spanish government site on conflict of interest declarations, potentially revealing ties to Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: Regulatory capture, undue influence.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Conflicts of interest in regulatory decisions.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names in declarations.
2. Apply date filter.
3. Review for executive ties to regulators.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of potential regulatory capture.

#### 7. [Spanish Congress of Deputies](https://www.congresodiputados.es/)
– **Purpose**: Spanish parliamentary site, potentially containing debates or reports on telecom competition.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, political opposition.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Concerns about competition impacts.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three fusión” “competencia telecomunicaciones”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Document Type**: Debates, Reports
– **Date Range**: Last 3 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for keywords.
2. Apply filters for document type and date.
3. Review for political concerns about the merger.
– **Expected Outcome**: Political opposition or competition impact statements.

#### 8. [CNMV (Spanish Securities Regulator)](https://www.cnmv.es/)
– **Purpose**: Spanish securities regulator, potentially containing financial disclosures or market analyses.
– **Causes of Action**: Higher prices, market impact.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Financial projections or market statements.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Document Type**: Prospectuses, Annual Reports
– **Date Range**: Last 2 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names.
2. Apply filters for document type and date.
3. Review for merger-related financial disclosures.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence supporting price increase concerns.

#### 9. [CNMC (Spanish Competition Authority)](https://www.cnmc.es/)
– **Purpose**: Spanish competition authority, potentially containing investigations or decisions on Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive behavior.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Past infringements or merger conditions.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Case Type**: Merger, Antitrust
– **Status**: Closed, Ongoing
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names.
2. Apply filters for case type and status.
3. Review for competition-related decisions.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of anti-competitive behavior or merger scrutiny.

#### 10. [Catalan Transparency Portal](https://transparencia.gencat.cat/)
– **Purpose**: Catalan transparency portal, potentially containing regional procurement or regulatory reports.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, service quality issues.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Regional market dominance or service complaints.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for company names.
2. Apply filters for sector and date.
3. Review for procurement data or service quality reports.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of regional market dominance or service issues.

—

### Summary of Approach
These strategies target evidence for:
– **Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC)**: Legal cases (PACER), ownership structures (Open Ownership), regulatory decisions (CNMC), procurement data (USAspending.gov, Catalan Transparency Portal).
– **Higher Prices**: Financial disclosures (CNMV), market dominance (Infocif.es, WIPO Brand Database).
– **Worse Service Quality**: Regional service reports (Catalan Transparency Portal), regulatory capture (Spanish Conflict of Interest Declarations).

1. [AJ Bell Investment Trusts](https://www.ajbell.co.uk/markets/investment-trusts)

– **Purpose**: Financial platform for investment trusts, potentially showing telecom market trends or investor sentiment.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market concentration.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Investor concerns about reduced competition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “mobile networks” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Investment Type**: Trusts
– **Execution**:
1. Use the search bar to find trusts invested in Vodafone or Three.
2. Apply filters for date and investment type.
3. Review trust descriptions or performance notes for investor sentiment on the merger.
– **Expected Outcome**: Data indicating market concentration or investor concerns about the merger’s impact on competition.

#### 2. [GOV.UK Publications](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/)
– **Purpose**: Official UK government publications, likely containing reports on telecom regulation or competition.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory oversight.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Official concerns about competition or consumer harm.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “telecom competition” “Ofcom reports”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Document Type**: Reports, Consultations
– **Department**: Business, Energy & Industrial Strategy
– **Execution**:
1. Access the advanced search feature.
2. Input keywords and apply filters.
3. Review reports for competition impact assessments or regulatory statements.
– **Expected Outcome**: Official reports highlighting competition risks or consumer harm from the merger.

#### 3. [GOV.UK Organisations](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations)
– **Purpose**: Lists UK government organizations, useful for finding regulatory bodies overseeing the merger.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory oversight.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Regulatory investigations or statements.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Ofcom” “Competition and Markets Authority”`
– **Execution**:
1. Navigate to the pages of Ofcom and the CMA.
2. Search within these pages for “Vodafone Three merger.”
3. Review for investigation updates or official statements.
– **Expected Outcome**: Direct links to merger investigations or regulatory concerns.

#### 4. [London Stock Exchange Price Explorer](https://www.londonstockexchange.com/live-markets/market-data-dashboard/price-explorer)
– **Purpose**: Stock market data, potentially showing financial impacts or investor sentiment.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market reaction.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Stock price volatility indicating competition concerns.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Around merger announcement dates
– **Metrics**: Stock price, trading volume
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three.
2. Apply date filters to key merger announcement periods.
3. Analyze stock price changes for market expectations.
– **Expected Outcome**: Stock price drops or volatility indicating investor concerns about competition.

#### 5. [Bidstats UK](https://www.bidstats.uk/)
– **Purpose**: Procurement data, potentially revealing contract dominance by Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Dominant contract holdings.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “mobile services” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Contract Value**: High
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Execution**:
1. Search for telecom contracts using keywords.
2. Apply filters for date, value, and sector.
3. Quantify contracts awarded to Vodafone and Three.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of market dominance through procurement contracts.

#### 6. [WTO Dispute Settlement](https://www.wto.org/english/tratop_e/dispu_e/dispu_e.htm)
– **Purpose**: World Trade Organization disputes, potentially highlighting trade-related competition issues.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, international trade impacts.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Trade disputes in telecom.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “UK” “EU” “competition”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Dispute Type**: Goods, Services
– **Date Range**: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for disputes using keywords.
2. Apply filters for dispute type and date.
3. Review for competition-related trade issues.
– **Expected Outcome**: Disputes indicating trade barriers or competition concerns in telecom.

#### 7. [OGE.gov](https://www.oge.gov/)
– **Purpose**: US Office of Government Ethics, potentially offering ethics guidelines for mergers.
– **Causes of Action**: Ethical concerns, regulatory capture.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Conflict of interest in merger approvals.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”ethics in telecommunications” “conflict of interest in mergers”`
– **Execution**:
1. Search for ethics guidelines or reports using keywords.
2. Review for general principles applicable to the merger.
– **Expected Outcome**: Ethical considerations for merger approvals, indirectly supporting our case.

#### 8. [Congress.gov](https://www.congress.gov/)
– **Purpose**: US legislation, potentially offering comparative insights on telecom competition.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory frameworks.
– **Findings of Infringement**: US laws or hearings on competition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications competition” “merger regulation”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Document Type**: Legislation, Hearings
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for keywords.
2. Apply filters for document type and date.
3. Review for US approaches to telecom mergers.
– **Expected Outcome**: Comparative insights on competition law principles.

#### 9. [Espacenet](https://worldwide.espacenet.com/)
– **Purpose**: Patent database, potentially showing innovation dominance by Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, innovation impact.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Patent dominance in telecom.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications technology”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Patent Classification**: H04 (Telecommunications)
– **Date Range**: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for patents by Vodafone and Three.
2. Apply classification and date filters.
3. Review for patent concentration.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of innovation dominance, supporting SLC concerns.

#### 10. [USPTO PPUBS](https://ppubs.uspto.gov/)
– **Purpose**: US patent publications, potentially revealing US patent dominance.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, innovation impact.
– **Findings of Infringement**: US patent concentration.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “wireless communication”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Patent Classification**: 455 (Telecommunications)
– **Date Range**: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for US patents by Vodafone and Three.
2. Apply classification and date filters.
3. Review for patent dominance in key technologies.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of technological control, supporting innovation impact arguments.

—

### Summary of Approach
These strategies target evidence for:
– **Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC)**: Regulatory reports (GOV.UK Publications), market data (Bidstats UK, London Stock Exchange), patent dominance (Espacenet, USPTO PPUBS).
– **Higher Prices and Worsecomms Worse Service Quality**: Investor sentiment (AJ Bell Investment Trusts), procurement dominance (Bidstats UK), regulatory concerns (GOV.UK Organisations).

1. [Register of Consultant Lobbyists](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/register-of-consultant-lobbyists)

– **Purpose**: Database of lobbyists meeting UK government officials, potentially revealing influence on merger policies.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, potential regulatory capture.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Undue influence on merger approval.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications merger”`
– **Execution**:
1. Access the register’s search function (likely a basic text search).
2. Input “Vodafone” and “Three” separately to identify lobbyists representing these companies.
3. Record meeting details: lobbyist names, dates, and stated purposes (e.g., merger advocacy).
– **Notes**: No advanced search is typically available; focus on manual review of results.

#### 2. [Scottish Lobbying Register](https://www.lobbying.scot/)
– **Purpose**: Tracks lobbying in Scotland, relevant for regional competition impacts.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC in regional markets.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Regional market influence.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications”`
– **Execution**:
1. Use the site’s search bar (assumed basic text input).
2. Search for “Vodafone” and “Three” individually.
3. Filter results by date (last 3 years) if available; note any merger-related lobbying.
– **Notes**: Check for a date filter or category like “business” if offered.

#### 3. [Ministry of Justice Case Tracker](https://casetracker.justice.gov.uk/)
– **Purpose**: Tracks UK court cases, offering legal precedents on competition issues.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive practices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Past violations, legal challenges.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “competition law” “merger”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Case Type**: Competition or Commercial
– **Parties**: Vodafone, Three
– **Date Range**: 2015–present
– **Execution**:
1. Input keywords in the search field.
2. Apply filters for case type and parties.
3. Review case summaries for competition or merger disputes.
– **Notes**: Look for an “advanced search” link to refine results.

#### 4. [Royal Courts of Justice Cause List](https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/royal-courts-of-justice-cause-list)
– **Purpose**: Lists upcoming hearings, potentially including merger challenges.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, legal challenges.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Scheduled hearings on competition issues.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications merger”`
– **Execution**:
1. Use the browser’s “Find” function (Ctrl+F) on the cause list page.
2. Search for keywords to locate relevant hearings.
3. Note hearing dates, courtrooms, and case titles.
– **Notes**: No advanced search expected; rely on manual keyword scanning.

#### 5. [Find a Tender Service](https://www.find-tender.service.gov.uk/)
– **Purpose**: UK procurement portal, useful for assessing market dominance via contracts.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Dominant contract holdings.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “mobile services” “network infrastructure” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Status**: Awarded
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Enter keywords in the search bar.
2. Apply filters for sector and status.
3. Quantify contracts awarded to Vodafone and Three.
– **Notes**: Check for “advanced search” or “filter” options on the site.

#### 6. [LobbyFacts.eu](https://www.lobbyfacts.eu/)
– **Purpose**: Tracks EU lobbying, revealing influence on telecom policies.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, regulatory influence.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Lobbying for relaxed merger rules.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications merger”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Date Range**: 2020–present
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three in the database.
2. Filter by date and sector.
3. Document lobbying activities related to mergers or competition.
– **Notes**: Look for filters on the homepage or a dedicated search page.

#### 7. [European Commission Press Corner](https://ec.europa.eu/commission/presscorner/home/en)
– **Purpose**: Official EU statements on telecom competition and mergers.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, consumer harm.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Regulatory concerns about the merger.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “telecom competition” “EU merger review”`
– **Execution**:
1. Use the site’s search bar (typically at the top).
2. Search each keyword phrase separately.
3. Review press releases for competition concerns.
– **Notes**: Check for a date filter to prioritize recent content.

#### 8. [EU Online Dispute Resolution](https://ec.europa.eu/consumers/odr/)
– **Purpose**: Consumer disputes, potentially revealing service or pricing issues.
– **Causes of Action**: Worse service quality, higher prices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Consumer harm, anti-competitive practices.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Execution**:
1. Access the dispute search tool (if public-facing).
2. Search for Vodafone and Three individually.
3. Identify complaints about pricing or service quality.
– **Notes**: Functionality may be limited; focus on any public database.

#### 9. [EU Tenders](https://europa.eu/youreurope/business/finance-funding/getting-funding/tenders/index_en.htm)
– **Purpose**: EU procurement portal, assessing market presence.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market dominance.
– **Findings of Infringement**: High contract awards.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “mobile network” “broadband services” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options** (assumed available):
– **Sector**: Telecommunications
– **Date Range**: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Search for tenders using keywords.
2. Apply sector and date filters.
3. Analyze contract awards to Vodafone and Three.
– **Notes**: Look for a “search tenders” or “advanced options” link.

#### 10. [AJ Bell Stock Screener](https://www.ajbell.co.uk/market-research/screener/shares)
– **Purpose**: Financial analysis of Vodafone and Three, indicating market dominance potential.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, financial strength enabling dominance.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Market capitalization, revenue growth.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Execution**:
1. Search for Vodafone and Three in the stock screener.
2. Review metrics: market cap, revenue, profit margins.
3. Compare financial strength to assess merger impact.
– **Notes**: Use any available filters for sector (telecom) or date.

—

### Summary of Approach
These strategies target evidence for:
– **Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC)**: Lobbying influence (Registers, LobbyFacts), legal precedents (Case Tracker, Cause List), procurement dominance (Find a Tender, EU Tenders), financial strength (AJ Bell).
– **Higher Prices and Worse Service Quality**: Consumer complaints (ODR), regulatory concerns (Press Corner), market behavior (procurement data).

Search Strategies for Each Website

#### 1. **[EUR-Lex](https://eur-lex.europa.eu/)**
– **Purpose**: Official database for EU law, likely containing legal documents, case law, and regulations on competition and mergers.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, potential price increases, service degradation.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Anti-competitive behavior, consumer harm.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications merger” “competition” “Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options**:
– Document Type: Case Law, Regulations
– Date Range: Last 5 years
– Language: English
– **Execution**:
1. Access the advanced search feature.
2. Enter keywords in quotation marks for exact phrases (e.g., “telecommunications merger”).
3. Apply filters to focus on recent case law and regulations.
4. Review results for EU competition law cases or directives highlighting risks of reduced competition, higher prices, or consumer harm in telecom mergers.
– **Expected Outcome**: Legal precedents or regulatory concerns supporting our SLC and consumer harm arguments.

#### 2. **[Business and Property Courts](https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/business-and-property-courts)**
– **Purpose**: UK court site with potential case information on business disputes, including competition issues.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, anti-competitive practices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Market dominance, reduced competition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications” “competition”`
– **Advanced Search Options**:
– Case Type: Competition
– Date Range: Last 5 years
– **Execution**:
1. Locate the case search or database section.
2. Input keywords, prioritizing cases with Vodafone or Three as parties.
3. If filters are available, select competition-related cases; otherwise, manually review summaries.
– **Expected Outcome**: UK court cases demonstrating competition concerns in the telecom sector.

#### 3. **[Companies House Advanced Search](https://find-and-update.company-information.service.gov.uk/advanced-search)**
– **Purpose**: UK company registry providing financials, directors, and ownership structures for Vodafone and Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, market power consolidation.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Dominant position, potential anti-competitive behavior.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three”`
– **Advanced Search Options**:
– Search By: Company Name, Officer Name
– Filter: SIC Code (Telecommunications, e.g., 61200)
– **Execution**:
1. Use the advanced search to find Vodafone and Three by name.
2. Explore financial statements, director appointments, and subsidiary listings.
3. Cross-check for interlocking directorates or significant market presence indicators.
– **Expected Outcome**: Corporate data showing market dominance or structures enabling anti-competitive behavior.

#### 4. **[SIC Codes](https://resources.companieshouse.gov.uk/sic/)**
– **Purpose**: Explains Standard Industrial Classification codes to categorize telecom businesses.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC (contextual understanding).
– **Findings of Infringement**: Industry-specific dominance.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications”`
– **Execution**:
1. Browse or search for SIC codes related to telecommunications (e.g., 61200 for wireless telecommunications).
2. Note the relevant code for use in other databases.
– **Expected Outcome**: Precise SIC code to refine searches on Companies House or industry reports.

#### 5. **[Petitions to Parliament](https://petition.parliament.uk/)**
– **Purpose**: Public petitions reflecting consumer or business concerns about the merger or telecom competition.
– **Causes of Action**: Higher prices, worse service quality.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Consumer harm, public opposition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone Three merger” “telecom competition” “mobile prices”`
– **Execution**:
1. Enter keywords in the search bar.
2. Review petition titles, descriptions, and signature counts for public sentiment or specific grievances.
– **Expected Outcome**: Evidence of public opposition or concerns about price increases and service impacts.

#### 6. **[Register of Members’ Financial Interests](https://www.parliament.uk/mps-lords-and-offices/standards-and-financial-interests/parliamentary-commissioner-for-standards/registers-of-interests/register-of-members-financial-interests/)**
– **Purpose**: Shows financial interests of UK MPs, potentially revealing ties to Vodafone or Three.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC (political influence).
– **Findings of Infringement**: Conflicts of interest.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”Vodafone” “Three” “telecommunications”`
– **Execution**:
1. Use the search function or browse the register.
2. Search for MPs with declared interests in Vodafone, Three, or the telecom sector.
– **Expected Outcome**: Identification of MPs whose financial ties might influence merger discussions.

#### 7. **[TheyWorkForYou Interests](https://www.theyworkforyou.com/interests/)**
– **Purpose**: Tracks MPs’ interests and voting records, potentially showing stances on telecom issues.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, consumer impact.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Political bias or opposition.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “competition” “merger”`
– **Execution**:
1. Search by topic or keyword.
2. Review MPs’ statements, voting records, or declared interests related to telecom competition.
– **Expected Outcome**: MPs’ positions on competition or telecom issues indicating support or opposition to the merger.

#### 8. **[ECHR HUDOC](https://hudoc.echr.coe.int/)**
– **Purpose**: European Court of Human Rights database with potential cases on competition or consumer rights.
– **Causes of Action**: Worse service quality, consumer harm.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Violations of consumer rights.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”competition” “telecommunications” “consumer rights”`
– **Advanced Search Options**:
– Article: Article 34 (individual applications)
– Date Range: Last 10 years
– **Execution**:
1. Access the advanced search interface.
2. Combine keywords and apply filters.
3. Review cases for precedents on competition or consumer protection in telecom.
– **Expected Outcome**: Human rights-based arguments applicable to consumer protection post-merger.

#### 9. **[Have Your Say](https://ec.europa.eu/info/law/law-making-process/planning-and-proposing-law/have-your-say)**
– **Purpose**: EU platform for public consultations on telecom regulations or competition policies.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, higher prices.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Stakeholder concerns.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications” “merger” “competition”`
– **Execution**:
1. Search for consultations using these terms.
2. Review submissions or summaries for industry or public feedback on telecom mergers.
– **Expected Outcome**: Stakeholder concerns about competition or pricing impacts.

#### 10. **[The National Archives](https://www.nationalarchives.gov.uk/)**
– **Purpose**: Historical UK records on past telecom mergers or regulations.
– **Causes of Action**: SLC, historical precedent.
– **Findings of Infringement**: Patterns of market harm.
– **Search Strategy**:
– **Keywords**: `”telecommunications regulation” “merger history” “competition policy”`
– **Execution**:
1. Use the catalog search tool.
2. Search for documents on past telecom mergers or regulatory decisions.
– **Expected Outcome**: Historical context showing regulatory responses to similar mergers.

—

### Summary of Approach
These strategies target evidence for:
– **Substantial Lessening of Competition (SLC)**: Legal precedents (EUR-Lex, ECHR HUDOC), corporate dominance (Companies House), regulatory concerns (Have Your Say, National Archives).
– **Higher Prices**: Public petitions (Petitions to Parliament), financial data (Companies House), consultation feedback (Have Your Say).
– **Worse Service Quality**: Consumer rights cases (ECHR HUDOC), public sentiment (Petitions to Parliament), historical patterns (National Archives).

By combining precise keywords with advanced search options, these strategies ensure a granular and systematic approach to gathering new information and potential evidence to support our position against the Vodafone-Three merger.