# The European Commission issued a so-called “Comfort Letter’ to an Automotive Licensing Negotiation Group.

*business · news · 2026-04-29 · Fortune*

## Key points

- The European Commission issued a 'Comfort Letter' allowing ALNG to collectively negotiate IP licenses.
- The ALNG's structure would likely violate U.S. antitrust laws, according to the DOJ.
- In 2024, U.S. antitrust authorities sent Civil Investigative Demands to ALNG members including BMW and Volkswagen.
- On April 16th, 2026, the EU issued new antitrust guidelines giving safe harbor to licensing negotiation groups.
- Major economies outside the EU are expected to disapprove ALNG-type arrangements due to antitrust and innovation concerns.

**Companies:** BMW, Mercedes-Benz, Volkswagen, Thyssenkrupp
**Countries:** EU, United States, China

[Read the full story on Fortune](https://fortune.com/2026/04/29/policy-eu-antitrust-automotive-licensing-negotiation-group-doj-investigation/)

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