In today’s fast-changing marketplace, brand owners and developers have more options than ever to distribute their products and services—through agents, resellers, licensees, or innovative online channels such as e-commerce platforms, marketplaces, and subscription models.

This comparative study, prepared by the Distribution Law Network (DLN), brings together insights from leading European law firms specializing in commercial and distribution law. It examines the main distribution models in use today, their benefits and challenges, and the legal and competition-law implications of each across key Western European jurisdictions.