Thousands of businesses could be set to receive compensation after the Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) made an order certifying a £1bn legal claim against Google.
The claim was made on behalf of UK app developers, suggesting that they have been overcharged by the US-based tech giant for using its Play Store.
It has been brought by Professor Barry Rodger, a competition law academic, who has accused Google of abusing its position of power, taking advantage of smaller UK businesses who have been selling their apps on the company’s store.
The news comes at a time when huge tech firms, including Meta and Apple, are being put under scrutiny for exploiting their commanding position in the market.
The lawsuit seeks compensation for the losses in revenue suffered by those businesses, many of whom are SMEs, from August 2018.
The CAT has published a collective proceedings order for the lawsuit which is seeking compensation for losses in revenue for businesses since August 2018 and Rodger has been authorised to act as the class representative.
“The tribunal’s decision is a significant step towards ensuring redress for small businesses in the UK that have lost money through Google’s conduct,” he said.
“Google abuses its Play Store monopoly by imposing excessive commissions, harming small business app developers and stifling crucial innovation and growth in the UK tech landscape.”
Belgium-based law firm Geradin Partners will represent Rodger in his class action in the CAT, with the trial set to begin in October 2026.