Joakim Larsson, Communications Director for Google Sweden, confirms that the company is taking the case to the next instance. He states that Google does not agree with the decision made by the court regarding the company's methods.
We do not share the court's assessment, says Joakim Larsson.
The dispute stems from Pricerunner suing Google in 2022 for suffering financial damage. This followed the European Commission's 2017 ruling that Google had abused its market position by favoring its own price comparison service in search results. The Patent and Market Court sided with Pricerunner in its judgment on July 1st and determined that Google should compensate the company with an amount, including accrued interest, totaling approximately 19 billion Swedish krona.
Google has opposed the claims throughout the process. The company argues that it has already taken the measures required to ensure fair competition following the European Commission's decision.
The changes we made to Shopping ads in 2017 are working well, says Joakim Larsson in a comment regarding the appeal.
Pricerunner Also Appeals
However, it is not only Google that is choosing to take the process further. Klarna-owned Pricerunner also announces that it has submitted an appeal.
Pricerunner has filed an appeal as we believe the 1st July judgment does not fully reflect the damages suffered over many years, despite the court’s unequivocal and well-reasoned decision on liability. A healthier, more competitive market benefits everyone who shops, and we intend to see this through, says Boudien Moerman, Chief Legal Officer at Klarna, adding:
It is of course entirely expected that Google would appeal a historically large damages award.
The case is now expected to be tried in a higher instance, where the assessment of Google's market position, any liability for damages, and the actual size of the damages will be re-examined.