Timeline

The French Competition Authority issues a Decision fining Google €220m.

The European Commission opens an investigation into Google’s conduct in ad tech.

The Competition and Markets Authority opens an investigation into Google’s conduct in ad tech.

Claudio Pollack’s original claim is filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The US Department of Justice sues Google in relation to its conduct in ad tech.

Charles Arthur’s original claim is filed with the Competition Appeal Tribunal.

The Tribunal holds a case management conference in Claudio Pollack v Alphabet Inc. and others (Case no. 1572/7/7/22) to consider how to appropriately case manage issues relating to carriage and timing. The Tribunal invites Charles Arthur’s legal representatives to be heard on these issues.

Tribunal hands down its judgment in the Pollack case management conference in which it determines that the question of carriage should be heard before the question of certification.

The European Commission sends a Statement of Objections to Google over abusive practices in ad tech.

Claudio Pollack and Charles Arthur apply to the Competition Appeal Tribunal to amalgamate their claims against Google with Ad Tech Collective Action LLP as the new class representative.

The CAT orders the consolidation of Claudio Pollack and Charles Arthur’s proceedings and the appointment of Ad Tech Collective Action LLP as the new class representative.

Following an application by Google for more time, the CAT agrees to adjourn the certification hearing (scheduled to commence on 29 January 2024).

The CAT has re-listed the certification hearing for up to 3 days beginning on 8 May 2024. This is the hearing at which the CAT will determine whether Ad Tech Collective Action LLP’s claim should proceed.