If You Are a U.S. Android OS App Developer You Could Get a Payment from a Settlement with Google
UPDATE: On January 11, 2024, the Court issued the Order Regarding Final Approval, Attorneys' Fees and Costs, and Incentive Awards. Developers who meet all class criteria are entitled to an automatic minimum cash payment of $250 to amounts estimated to exceed $200,000. The payments will be distributed during the second quarter of 2024. This website will be updated with the exact date as soon as it is scheduled.
Important Dates
A settlement has been reached with Google LLC, Google Ireland Limited, Google Commerce Limited, Google Asia Pacific Pte. Limited, and Google Payment Corp. (“Google”) in an antitrust class action lawsuit about the Google Play store. The lawsuit was brought by U.S. app developers. The lawsuit alleged that Google monopolized (or attempted to monopolize) alleged markets related to the distribution of Android OS apps and in-app products in violation of U.S. and California law. Google denies all allegations and the settlement is not an admission of wrongdoing by Google. Both Plaintiffs and Google agreed to settle this case to move forward, avoid uncertain litigation, and provide support to the developer community.
You may be included in this settlement and entitled to receive a payment if you are or were a U.S. developer of any Android OS application or in-app product (including subscriptions) and satisfy the following criteria:
- Sold an application or in-app product (including subscriptions) for a non-zero price between August 17, 2016 and December 31, 2021;
- Paid Google a service fee greater than 15% on at least one such transaction between August 17, 2016 and December 31, 2021; and
- Earned proceeds between U.S. $0 and U.S. $2,000,000.00 through Google Play in every calendar year between and inclusive of 2016 and 2021. For this purpose, the 2016 calendar year shall consist of August 17, 2016 through December 31, 2016.
Your legal rights are affected whether you act or don’t act. Read the notice carefully. It addresses each of the following options available to you:
| YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS AND OPTIONS IN THIS SETTLEMENT | |
|---|---|
| STAY IN THE CLASS AND RECEIVE PAYMENT DEADLINE: AS SPECIFIED IN DESCRIPTION |
If you received an email or mailed notice of this settlement from the Settlement Administrator, that is because Google’s records indicate you may be a member of the Settlement Class. If you take no further action, the Settlement Administrator will attempt to send you a physical check. If you wish to receive a digital payment instead, you must elect that option by May 30, 2023. (See FAQ 10). If you did not receive an email or mailed notice of this settlement, but believe you are a Settlement Class Member, you must submit a valid Payment Selection Form by May 30, 2023, to receive a payment. (See FAQ 10). |
| ASK TO BE EXCLUDED FROM THE SETTLEMENT DEADLINE: APRIL 5, 2023 |
If you decide to exclude yourself from this settlement, you will lose the ability to obtain a payment from the Settlement Fund. But you may keep the ability to sue Google for claims related to this case. (See FAQ 17.) |
| OBJECT TO FEE AND COST MOTION DEADLINE MAY 8, 2023 | If you do not exclude yourself, you may object to Developer Plaintiffs' Motion for Attorneys' Fees, Reimbursement of Expenses and Service Awards. |
| OBJECT TO THE SETTLEMENT DEADLINE: APRIL 5, 2023 |
If you do not exclude yourself from the settlement, you may still object to it by writing to the Court to explain the basis for your objection. (See FAQ 19.) |
| ASK TO SPEAK AT THE HEARING ON JUNE 8, 2023 | If you object to the settlement, you may ask the Court for permission to speak at the Final Approval Hearing about your objection. (See FAQ 23.) |
| DO NOTHING (NO DEADLINE) | If you take no action you give up your legal right to continue to sue Google for claims related to this case, and, if you received a separate email or mailed notice of this settlement, the Settlement Administrator will attempt to send you a physical check. |
These rights and options – and the deadlines to exercise them – are explained in the notice.