Google to face september trial in over £1bn uk app developer class action

With the trial now approaching, Google has failed in a last ditch effort to narrow the class of app developers represented in the claim. In May 2025, the Competition Appeal Tribunal authorised Professor Rodger to bring the case on behalf of UK app developers on an ‘opt-out’ basis, meaning eligible developers are automatically included unless they choose to opt out. 

Google had sought to require certain app developers to actively opt in to the case shortly before trial, forcing them to put themselves forward publicly or be excluded from the case.

The tribunal rejected Google’s application, meaning the case will continue to trial on the opt-out basis already approved by the tribunal.

The claim seeks compensation for UK app developers who sold apps, subscriptions or in-app digital content through the Google Play Store from August 2018 and paid commission to Google on those sales.

Professor Rodger alleges that Google abused its dominant position in Android app distribution by using technical and contractual restrictions to limit competition and make Google Play the essential route to market for UK app developers seeking to reach Android users.

Google is accused of then using that position to charge excessive and unfair commissions, of up to 30 per cent, on sales of apps, subscriptions and in-app digital content. The claim seeks compensation for alleged revenue losses suffered by UK app developers, including many SMEs. Google denies the claim.

Google settled a similar case brought by app developer Epic Games in the US and the UK, agreeing to lower Play Store commissions for developers in future. Google did not agree to pay compensation for any past overcharge. That is what Professor Rodger will seek to address at trial.

The trial will examine the commercial terms on which UK app developers have had to distribute apps and sell digital content through Google Play.

Professor Rodger alleges that, in a fair and competitive market, app developers would have paid less to Google to distribute their apps, subscriptions and in-app digital content. Instead, he alleges, Google charged excessive commissions and reduced the revenue retained by developers from their own products.

Professor Rodger said: “This is a significant moment for UK app developers. Many small businesses have had little realistic choice but to use Google Play Store to reach Android customers. The cost of doing so, we believe, was excessive and unfair.

“A landmark trial against Google is right around the corner.”