Google Settles UK Antitrust Case for $353 Million

Google has agreed to settle a major antitrust case in the UK by paying out £260 million ($353 million) to resolve claims brought on behalf of app developers. The settlement, which still requires approval from the Competition Appeal Tribunal, would end a lawsuit that had sought more than £1 billion in damages for developers who sold applications through Google's Play Store in Britain.

The proposed agreement allocates £160 million to eligible developers who sold apps through the Play Store from August 2018 through July 2026. The remaining £100 million would cover expenses associated with bringing and financing the litigation.

Google is not admitting liability or wrongdoing as part of the agreement, but the settlement underscores the continuing legal pressure surrounding the economics of mobile-app marketplaces. Academic Barry Rodger led the litigation, accusing Google of abusing its market power by restricting developers' ability to distribute apps through alternative channels while imposing commissions that were typically 30%.