On August 5, 2026, the UK’s Competition Appeal Tribunal (“CAT”) certified a landmark class action against six companies in the Google group, granting a collective proceedings order on an opt-out basis following a hearing on July 8, 2026. The claim, brought by Or Brook Class Representative Limited (“OBCRL”)—a special purpose vehicle whose sole director is Dr. Or Brook—alleges that Google abused dominant positions in markets connected with mobile operating systems, app distribution, general search services, and search advertising, causing advertisers to suffer financial loss. The proposed class representative’s expert economist estimates total damages of approximately £5 billion.
The proceedings were brought on behalf of a proposed class of advertisers who allege that Google engaged in a series of exclusionary practices designed to suppress competition in general search and search advertising. The alleged abuses include tying Google Search to the Play Store through agreements with Android device manufacturers, securing default search engine status in browsers through financial incentives—most notably with Apple—and restricting advertisers’ ability to use competing platforms through conduct related to its Search Ads 360 advertising management tool. The Tribunal also acknowledged that that claim substantially overlaps with a separate consumer action, Stopford v Alphabet, which was certified on an opt-out basis in November 2024. And, in November 2025, a carriage dispute between OBCRL and a competing claim brought by Mr. Roger Kaye KC was resolved consensually with the Brook proceedings continuing as the sole proposed collective action and Mr. Kaye assuming the role of chairperson of the consultative panel.
Google raised four categories of objections to certification: concerns about OBCRL’s funding arrangements and costs, issues with proposed amendments to the claim form, challenges to the class definition, and opposition to opt-out rather than opt-in certification. The Tribunal concluded that the balance of factors weighed in favor of opt-out certification and that none of Google’s objections constituted a bar to the proceedings moving forward. The Tribunal also noted that certain limitation defenses raised by Google will reduce the total claim value from the initial estimate, though the precise impact depends on the resolution of an outstanding question regarding Scots law of prescription.
Looking ahead, the Tribunal has directed OBCRL to formalize its positions on class definition, continuing loss, and limitation in a letter to be provided within 14 days of the decision. The outstanding Scots law prescription issue is expected to be argued at the next case management conference, and OBCRL will need to recalculate its quantum figures once that question is resolved. With opt-out certification now secured, the case will proceed toward trial.
CAT Judgment Summary | Judgment (Certification)