La reincorporación del abuso de dependencia económica al régimen de competencia económica.

Abstract

This thesis analyzes the abuse of economic dependence in Ecuador after the repeal of Article 10 of the Organic Law for the Regulation and Control of Market Power and its transfer to the unfair competition regime. The study argues that this legal figure should not be confused with a simple breach of contract or with the classic abuse of dominance, since it arises within a specific commercial relationship where one company depends on another to sell, purchase, distribute, or continue its activity in the market. The research examines the former regulation, the current substitute rule, and the main legal problems related to identifying economic dependence, proving the lack of equivalent alternatives, and determining abusive conduct. It also reviews comparative law criteria to show the need for more precise rules. The thesis concludes that Ecuadorian regulation requires greater technical development in order to protect vulnerable economic operators without affecting freedom of enterprise.