Google Play app developer $90M class action settlement

Google agreed to pay a $90 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve claims it monopolized Android app markets through the Google Play store platform, in violation of federal and state antitrust laws.

The Google Play settlement benefits U.S. developers of Android applications or in-app products (including subscriptions) who sold an application or in-app product for a non-zero price and paid a service fee greater than 15% on at least one transaction between Aug. 17, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2021. Developers must have earned between $0 and $2 million in every calendar year between 2016 and 2021.

The Google Play class action lawsuit accused Google of violating federal and state antitrust laws by monopolizing the android app market through its Google Play platform. The company allegedly forced app developers to use its billing services, forcing them to pay hefty service fees.

Google Play is Google’s Android app store. Developers can distribute their applications through the platform.

Google hasn’t admitted any wrongdoing but agreed to a $90 million class action lawsuit settlement to resolve the antitrust allegations.

Under the terms of the Google Play settlement, developers can receive a proportional share of the net settlement fund based on the amount they paid in service fees during the class period. According to the settlement administrator’s website, payments could range from $250 to over $200,000. Class members can check their estimated payment amount on the settlement website.

Google has also agreed to make business practice changes to better compensate developers for apps. The company agreed to charge service fees no greater than 15%, allow developers to promote alternative billing systems, allow the use of other app stores and develop an “Indie Apps Corner” in the Google Play store.

The deadline for exclusion and objection is April 5, 2023.

The final approval hearing for the Google Play settlement is scheduled for May 18, 2023.

Class members who received an email or mailed notice do not need to take action to benefit from the settlement but may submit a payment selection form by May 30, 2023, to receive their payment in a digital format.

Class members who did not receive a settlement notice must submit a payment selection form by May 30, 2023, in order to receive a settlement payment.

Who’s Eligible

U.S. developers of Android applications or in-app products (including subscriptions) who sold an application or in-app product for a non-zero price and paid a service fee greater than 15% on at least one transaction between Aug. 17, 2016, and Dec. 31, 2021. 

Developers must have earned between $0 and $2 million in every calendar year between 2016 and 2021.

Potential Award

Varies.

Proof of Purchase

N/A

Claim Form

NOTE: If you do not qualify for this settlement do NOT file a claim.

Remember: you are submitting your claim under penalty of perjury. You are also harming other eligible Class Members by submitting a fraudulent claim. If you’re unsure if you qualify, please read the FAQ section of the Settlement Administrator’s website to ensure you meet all standards (Top Class Actions is not a Settlement Administrator). If you don’t qualify for this settlement, check out our database of other open class action settlements you may be eligible for.

Claim Form Deadline

05/30/2023

Case Name

In re: Google Play Developer Antitrust Litigation, Case No. 3:20- cv-05792-JD, in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California

Final Hearing

05/18/2023

Settlement Website

GooglePlayDeveloperSettlement.com

Claims Administrator

Google Play Developer Settlement Administrator
1650 Arch Street, Suite 2210
Philadelphia, PA 19103
Info@GooglePlayDeveloperSettlement.com
844-423-3488

Class Counsel

HAGENS BERMAN SOBOL SHAPIRO LLP

SPERLING & SLATER PC

HAUSFELD LLP

Defense Counsel

MUNGER TOLLES & OLSON LLP

MORGAN LEWIS & BOCKIUS LLP

O’MELVENY & MYERS LLP

HOGAN LOVELLS

KWUN BHANSALI LAZARUS LLP