Streetmap.EU Ltd v Google Inc. & Ors [2016] EWHC 253 (Ch) (12 February 2016)

Streetmap.EU Ltd v Google Inc. & Ors [2016] EWHC 253 (Ch) (12 February 2016)

Google's conduct in displaying a thumbnail map from Google Maps at the top of search results for geographic queries did not constitute an abuse of dominance. The conduct improved search quality, was not discriminatory, and did not foreclose competition in the online maps market to the requisite legal standard. No appreciable anti-competitive effect was established.

Citation
[2016] EWHC 253 (Ch)
Parties
Claimant: Streetmap.EU Limited; Defendant: Google Inc.; Defendant: Google Ireland Limited; Defendant: Google UK Limited
Jurisdiction
England and Wales
Judgment Date
12 February 2016
Procedural Posture
Competition Law Claim / Judgment on Preliminary Issue of Abuse of Dominance
Outcome
Claim dismissed
Legal Topics
Abuse of Dominant Position, Discrimination, Foreclosure, Bundling, Online Search Engines, Online Maps
Competition Law European Union Law Abuse of Dominant Position Discrimination Foreclosure Bundling Online Search Engines Online Maps

Case Brief

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Parties

Streetmap.EU Limited

Claimant

Google Inc.

Defendant

Google Ireland Limited

Defendant

Google UK Limited

Defendant

Procedural Posture

Competition Law Claim / Judgment on Preliminary Issue of Abuse of Dominance

Legal Issues

  1. 1 Whether Google abused a dominant position by preferentially displaying its own map product in search results, thereby foreclosing competition in online maps

Ratio Decidendi

Google's conduct in displaying a thumbnail map from Google Maps at the top of search results for geographic queries did not constitute an abuse of dominance. The conduct improved search quality, was not discriminatory, and did not foreclose competition in the online maps market to the requisite legal standard. No appreciable anti-competitive effect was established.

Court Disposition

Claim dismissed

Orders

  • Claim for abuse of dominant position dismissed
  • No relief granted to claimant