1408/7/7/21 Elizabeth Helen Coll v Alphabet Inc. and Others

An application by Elizabeth Coll, the proposed class representative ("PCR"), to commence collective proceedings under section 47B of the Competition Act 1998 ("the CPO Application").  The proposed collective proceedings would combine standalone claims against (1) Alphabet Inc., (2) Google LLC, (3) Google Ireland Limited, (4) Google Commerce Limited and (5) Google Payment Limited for loss and damage caused by alleged breaches of statutory duty by infringing Article 102 of the Treaty on the Functioning of the European Union (prior to 31 December 2020) and section 18 of the Competition Act 1998, which prohibit the abuse of a dominant position in a market.

A case management conference ("CMC") took place remotely on 17 January 2022. At the CMC, the PCR requested that certain information pertaining to its funding arrangements be treated as confidential and/or remain redacted ("the Confidentiality Requests"). The Tribunal issued its Ruling in respect of the Confidentiality Requests on 3 February 2022 ([2022] CAT 6).

The hearing of the CPO Application took place on 18 July 2022. The Tribunal indicated at the hearing that the PCR's CPO Application is granted with a judgment to follow in due course setting out the reasons. That judgment was issued on 31 August 2022. A costs order was made on 20 October 2022. 

Further directions were given by order dated 16 December 2022. The Chair gave a Reasoned Order in relation to the CR's application regarding confidentiality of documents on 4 April 2023. 

A further CMC took place on 21 June 2023.

A further CMC is due to take place on 10 November 2023.