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US Judge Set to Decertify Google Play Class Action
In a recent development, U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco is planning to decertify a class action against Google.
The class action, brought by 21 million consumers, accused Google of violating federal antitrust law by overcharging them on its Google Play app store. The judge's decision could potentially reduce the damages that Google, a subsidiary of Alphabet, might have to pay.
The consumers claimed that Google's alleged monopoly resulted in them paying more for apps and limited their choices. However, Google has denied any wrongdoing. Judge Donato's decision to decertify the class action is based on his ruling not to allow an economist to testify as an expert witness for the consumers. This ruling eliminated a crucial element of their argument for certification.
Although the judge cannot decertify the class immediately due to Google's ongoing appeal, he has directed both parties to attempt to resolve the issue before a hearing on September 7. The class action included consumers from 12 U.S. states and five territories, who were not part of a similar case brought by state attorneys general against Google.
Class actions allow plaintiffs to sue as a group, potentially resulting in larger recoveries at a lower cost compared to individual lawsuits. The decertification of this class action could have significant implications for the ongoing antitrust litigation involving Google, which includes 38 states, the District of Columbia and companies like Epic Games and Match Group.
It remains to be seen how this development will impact the future of the case and the potential damages Google may face. Lawyers for the consumers and Google have not yet responded to requests for comment.
U.S. District Judge James Donato plans to decertify a class action against Google.
The class action accused Google of overcharging consumers on its Google Play app store.
The judge's decision could reduce the damages Google might owe.
Source: Reuters