Università Roma Tre

The first part of the course will address the evolution of consumer law and its relationship with changing social and economic contexts. Particular attention will be devoted to the sources of law, including EU legislation, national provisions, and private regulatory standards; to the system’s key actors (consumers, professionals, producers, intermediaries, and digital platforms); and to the growing relevance of fundamental consumer rights, especially in connection with digital markets and emerging technologies.
The course will then analyse consumer contracts, with a specific focus on unfair contract terms, statutory rights in the sale of goods and provision of services, post-contractual remedies, and mechanisms designed to rebalance the parties’ position. Further modules will address the obligations of professionals, unfair commercial practices, product safety, and product liability, all of which play a crucial role in ensuring consumer trust and fair competition.
A core component will be devoted to enforcement mechanisms, examining both public enforcement — notably the powers and procedures of administrative authorities such as the Competition and Market Authority — and private enforcement, including judicial remedies, injunctions, and compensatory measures. Alternative dispute resolution tools (ADR, mediation and conciliation) will also be analysed as complementary avenues for consumer redress.
Finally, the course will explore the challenges posed by the digital economy, focusing on online platforms, digital content and digital services, the implications of the data economy, and the recent EU regulatory framework (including the Digital Markets Act, Digital Services Act, and Data Act). Particular attention will be given to the transition from Web2 to Web3, as well as to blockchain, smart contracts, and artificial intelligence, assessing their impact on consumer rights, market transparency, and liability regimes.