Google ordered to pay 250 million CZK to Heureka

The Prague Municipal Court has ordered Google to pay 250 million CZK in damages to the price comparison service Heureka. The ruling addresses claims that Google used its market dominance to unfairly push competitors out of the market.

The dispute centers on the 2013 launch of Google Shopping, which the court found favored Google's own services over competitors. In determining the compensation amount, the court relied on principles of equitable assessment, noting that it was impossible to determine an exact loss scenario regarding how consumer behavior would have changed without Google's actions.

While Heureka originally sought approximately 395 million CZK, the court awarded 250 million CZK plus statutory interest of 10% per annum dating back to June 2020. Heureka Group welcomed the decision, stating that Google's actions impacted the functionality of price comparison services and Czech consumers. Google did not comment on the ruling and had argued that the claim was time-barred, a defense rejected based on European Court of Justice precedents.

The verdict is not final and is subject to appeal.