The infringement procedure PRC 2004/28 was initiated by the Competition Authority Board on 11 October 2004, regarding a possible violation of Article 4 of Law 18/2003, of 11 June and of Article 81 of the EC Treaty (now Article 101 of the TFEU).
This investigation analysed practices adopted by the Order of Veterinary Doctors which could constitute a decision of association of undertakings. The Code of Ethics of the Association of Veterinary Doctors provided for the respect for minimum fee scales in relation to the remuneration of the services provided by self-employed veterinary doctors.
On 19.05.2005 the Competition Authority Board adopted a condemnatory decision.
The decision of the Competition Authority was challenged in court and confirmed with a reduction of the fine.