Today, a coalition of >30 European media organisations from 17 countries has initiated a legal action against Google, seeking damages of EUR 2.1 billion. The claim pertains to Google’s anticompetitive behaviour in “ad tech”, the various technologies behind online advertising. The lawsuit was filed in the District Court of Amsterdam, the Netherlands.
The case was brought by Stek in collaboration with European law firm Geradin Partners.
Damien Geradin, founding partner of Geradin Partners said: “We are proud to represent the 34 publishers in bringing this claim. Enough time has been spent getting to the heart of Google’s wrongdoing in ad tech which is now plain for all to see. It is high time that Google is held accountable for its abuses and compensates the victims, Europe’s diverse and vital media sector.”
Jan Bart van de Hel, partner at Stek in Amsterdam said: “Many publishers have suffered harm as result of Google’s wrongful actions. It is important to take action, not only to make sure that the damage of the publishers are fully compensated, but also to ensure that Google’s anticompetitive conduct is prevented in the future. We are happy that 34 large media companies have decided to take action. Others should do the same.”
Click here for the press release.
