May 9, Italy: In a significant legal development that underscores ongoing tensions between European regulators and Big Tech, Italy Moltiply Group has filed a €2.97 billion ($3.34 billion) lawsuit against Google.
The suit, lodged in a Milan court, accuses the tech giant of abusing its dominant market position to favor its service, Google Shopping, over competitors like Trovaprezzi. It, operated by Moltiply’s subsidiary 7Pixel between 2010 and 2017.
Moltiply contends that Google’s practices stifled competition and hindered the growth of its subsidiary, thereby denying Italian consumers genuine choice and local innovation. The lawsuit draws upon a 2017 European Commission ruling that fined Google €2.42 billion for similar anti-competitive behavior—a decision upheld by the European Court of Justice in 2024 after Google’s appeal.
In response, Google stated it is reviewing the lawsuit and emphasized that changes made since the 2017 ruling have been effective. A spokesperson criticized the claim as excessive and out of step with ongoing industry success, noting that the number of comparison shopping sites in Europe using Google’s shopping features has increased significantly.
This lawsuit is part of a broader pattern of legal challenges faced by Google in Europe. Other companies, including Germany’s Idealo and U.K.-based Kelkoo and Foundem, have launched or resumed claims for damages following the EU’s final decision.
The outcome of Moltiply’s lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for digital market competition and the regulatory landscape governing tech giants in Europe. Keep Reading QuestEuro.com
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