Status
An application by Elizabeth Coll, the proposed class representative ("PCR"), to commence collective proceedings under section 47B of the Competition Act 1998 ("the CPO Application"). The proposed collective proceedings would combine standalone claims against (1) Alphabet Inc., (2) Google LLC, (3) Google Ireland Limited, (4) Google Commerce Limited and (5) Google Payment Limited for loss and damage caused by alleged breaches of statutory duty by infringing Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (prior to 31 December 2020) and section 18 of the Competition Act 1998, which prohibit the abuse of a dominant position in a market.
A case management conference ("CMC") took place remotely on 17 January 2022. At the CMC, the PCR requested that certain information pertaining to its funding arrangements be treated as confidential and/or remain redacted ("the Confidentiality Requests"). The Tribunal issued its Ruling in respect of the Confidentiality Requests on 3 February 2022 ([2022] CAT 6).
The hearing of the CPO Application took place on 18 July 2022. The Tribunal indicated at the hearing that the PCR's CPO Application is granted with a judgment to follow in due course setting out the reasons. That judgment was issued on 31 August 2022. A costs order was made on 20 October 2022.
Further directions were given by order dated 16 December 2022. The Chair gave a Reasoned Order in relation to the CR's application regarding confidentiality of documents on 4 April 2023.
A further CMC took place on 21 June 2023.
A further CMC took place on 10 November 2023.
A further CMC took place on 5 December 2024.
A further CMC in these proceedings took place on 25 March 2024, to consider the application in Case 1378/5/7/20 (the "Epic Proceedings") for the joint case management and trial of these proceedings with the Epic Proceedings. Following the CMC, the Tribunal made an Order dated 15 May 2024 regarding the part consolidation of the Epic and Coll Proceedings.
On 14 March 2025, a joint CMC took place to consider consolidation of the Rodger Proceedings (Case 1673/7/7/24) with these proceedings and the Epic Proceedings (Case 1378/5/7/20). By Order dated 24 March 2025, the Tribunal ordered the joint case management of the proceedings. A reasoned ruling in relation to joint case management is pending.
A further joint CMC with these proceedings and the Rodger and Epic Proceedings has been listed to take place on 1 May 2025.
