For Google, this involves a fine of 2.4 billion euros, while in the case of Apple, a back payment of 13 billion euros could be due in Ireland.
In 2017, the Brussels authority imposed a fine of 2.4 billion euros on Google because the search engine operator favored its own price comparison service Google Shopping over those of its competitors and thus abused its market power. Google and its parent company Alphabet initially unsuccessfully challenged the fine before the EU General Court and then appealed to the higher-level ECJ, which has now announced its ruling.
In the Apple case, the EU Commission ordered the iPhone manufacturer in 2016 to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland. In 2020, Apple won before the EU Court, which declared the additional demand null and void. The Commission had not been able to prove that Apple’s tax agreements in Ireland from 1991 and 2007 constituted prohibited state aid, the judges argued. The Commission appealed to the ECJ, which will also announce its ruling in this case on Tuesday.
ePaper
Dg comp case search
Tech Giants Fined Billions: Google and Apple Face EU Regulatory Wrath
In recent years, tech giants Google and Apple have faced significant fines from European regulatory bodies for alleged breaches of EU antitrust rules and intellectual property laws. These multi-billion euro fines have sparked intense debate about the dominance of these companies and the need for stricter regulations to promote fair competition.
Google’s €2.4 Billion Fine
In 2017, the European Commission slapped Google with a record-breaking fine of €2.4 billion for favoring its own price comparison service, Google Shopping, over those of its competitors [[2]]. This move was seen as an abuse of Google’s market power, and the company was ordered to pay the fine and change its business practices.
Google and its parent company Alphabet initially challenged the fine before the EU General Court, but were unsuccessful. The company then appealed to the European Court of Justice (ECJ), which has since announced its ruling.
Apple’s €13 Billion Back Tax Bill
In 2016, the EU Commission ordered Apple to pay €13 billion in back taxes in Ireland [[1]]. The Commission argued that Apple’s tax agreements in Ireland from 1991 and 2007 constituted prohibited state aid, giving the company an unfair advantage over its competitors.
However, in 2020, Apple won before the EU Court, which declared the additional demand null and void. The Commission had not been able to prove that Apple’s tax agreements in Ireland from 1991 and 2007 constituted prohibited state aid [[1]].
The Commission appealed to the ECJ, which will announce its ruling in this case. If the ECJ upholds the Commission’s decision, Apple could be forced to pay the €13 billion in back taxes.
Recent Developments: France Fines Google €250 Million
In a recent development, France’s competition watchdog fined Google €250 million for breaching EU intellectual property rules [[3]]. The fine was imposed due to Google’s alleged failure to comply with EU rules on copyright and related rights.
This fine is separate from the €2.4 billion fine imposed by the EU Commission, and demonstrates the ongoing scrutiny of Google’s business practices by regulatory bodies across the EU.
Conclusion
The multi-billion euro fines imposed on Google and Apple serve as a stark reminder of the need for tech giants to comply with EU regulatory rules and laws. As the digital landscape continues to evolve, it is essential that these companies prioritize fair competition, transparency, and accountability to ensure a level playing field for all businesses.
Only by working together to promote a fair and competitive market can we ensure that innovation and growth thrive in the EU.
European Convention on Human Rights
Landmark Judgments: Understanding the Impact of European Courts on Global Business
The European Court of Justice (ECJ) and the European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) have played a crucial role in shaping the legal landscape of Europe and beyond. In recent years, these courts have delivered landmark judgments that have far-reaching implications for global businesses, governments, and individuals alike.
Google and Apple Cases: A Test of EU Competition Law
In 2017, the European Commission imposed a fine of 2.4 billion euros on Google for abusing its market power by favoring its own price comparison service, Google Shopping, over those of its competitors. Google and its parent company Alphabet challenged the fine before the EU General Court, which upheld the Commission’s decision. The case has now been appealed to the ECJ, which has announced its ruling.
Meanwhile, the EU Commission ordered Apple to pay 13 billion euros in back taxes in Ireland, alleging that the company had received prohibited state aid. Apple won the case before the EU Court, which declared the additional demand null and void. However, the Commission has appealed to the ECJ, which will announce its ruling in this case soon.
These cases highlight the EU’s commitment to enforcing competition law and ensuring that businesses operate fairly and transparently. The ECJ’s judgments will have significant implications for companies operating in the EU, particularly in the tech sector.
The Role of European Courts in Shaping EU Law
The European Court of Justice has delivered over 16,000 judgments since its creation in 1959 [[1]]. These rulings have resulted in many changes to legislation and have helped to clarify the meaning and application of EU law. The ECJ has played a crucial role in shaping EU law, particularly in areas such as competition law, intellectual property, and human rights.
The European Court of Human Rights, on the other hand, has delivered numerous landmark judgments that have helped to protect human rights and fundamental freedoms in Europe [[1]]. These judgments have had a significant impact on national legislation and have helped to shape the human rights landscape in Europe.
Implications for Businesses and Governments
The judgments of the ECJ and the ECHR have far-reaching implications for businesses and governments operating in Europe and beyond. Companies must ensure that they comply with EU law, including competition law, data protection regulations, and human rights standards.
Governments, on the other hand, must ensure that their national legislation is compatible with EU law and that they comply with their obligations under international human rights treaties.
The UK and Europe: A Complex Relationship
The UK’s relationship with Europe is complex and multifaceted. The Supreme Court of the UK has a critical role to play in deciding whether public bodies have acted compatibly with the European Convention on Human Rights [[3]]. The UK’s departure from the EU has added a new layer of complexity to this relationship, and it remains to be seen how the UK’s legal system will evolve in the coming years.
Conclusion
The European Court of Justice and the European Court of Human Rights have delivered numerous landmark judgments that have shaped the legal landscape of Europe and beyond. These judgments have significant implications for businesses, governments, and individuals alike, and highlight the importance of complying with EU law and human rights standards. As the EU and UK navigate the complexities of Brexit, the role of these courts will remain crucial in shaping the future of European law and policy.
References:
[1] https://www.coe.int/en/web/human-rights-convention/landmark-judgments
[2] https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ListofEuropeanCourtofJusticerulings
[3] https://www.supremecourt.uk/about/the-supreme-court-and-europe.html
