European Commission launches new investigation under Digital Markets Act
Probe examines whether Google continues to favor its services in search results
September
European Court of Justice rejects Google’s final appeal A fine of €2.4 billion is definitively upheld
Marks the end of main legal battle after 15 years
The seven-year legal process highlights the challenges small businesses face in seeking remedies for anti-competitive practices, despite having clear evidence.
Google’s Response
Google maintains its 2017 compliance changes resolved the issues.
A company spokesperson stated:
“The changes we made have worked successfully for more than seven years, generating billions of clicks for more than 800 comparison shopping services.”
What’s Next?
While the September 2024 ruling validates the Raffs’ claims, it comes too late for Foundem, which closed in 2016.
In March 2024, the European Commission launched a new investigation into Google’s current practices under the Digital Markets Act.
The Raffs are now pursuing a civil damages claim against Google, scheduled for 2026.
Why This Matters
This ruling confirms that Google’s search rankings can be subject to regulatory oversight and legal challenges.
The case has already influenced new digital marketplace regulations, including the EU’s Digital Markets Act.
Although Foundem’s story concluded with the company’s closure in 2016, the legal precedent it set will endure.
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