Antitrust Law
Ongoing coverage on Antitrust Law.
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Who Is Eligible for a Playstation Store Credit Settlement
Sony Interactive Entertainment is proposing a $7.85 million settlement to resolve allegations that its removal of third-party digital game vouchers led to higher prices on the PlayStation Store. The settlement covers U.S. residents who purchased qualifying digital games between April 2019 and December 2023. While Sony denies wrongdoing, eligible players with active PSN accounts may receive credits automatically if the settlement receives final court approval.
Nvidia is reportedly being investigated by the DOJ over its biggest ever deal, a $20 billion non-exclusive agreement…
The Department of Justice is reportedly investigating Nvidia's $20 billion non-exclusive agreement with AI chip company Groq for potential antitrust scrutiny. The deal, which grants Nvidia non-exclusive rights to Groq's low-latency inference AI chips, is being examined to see if it was structured to bypass standard government reviews. If found at fault, Nvidia could face fines, though the investigation is ongoing and no specific findings have been made.
Apple faces £2bn lawsuit over implementation of App Tracking Transparency framework
Apple is facing a £2 billion class action lawsuit in the UK over its App Tracking Transparency (ATT) framework. The lawsuit alleges that Apple unfairly implemented ATT, discriminating against UK iOS developers and harming businesses that rely on advertising revenue, while applying less restrictive standards to its own data collection. Several European regulators have previously investigated Apple's ATT framework.
Google won't be forced to sell its ad exchange following antitrust ruling
A judge ruled that Google will not be forced to sell its ad exchange following an antitrust case. The court previously determined that Google illegally monopolized two ad tech markets.
Sony Interactive Entertainment to pay $7.85 million settlement regarding digital game prices
Sony Interactive Entertainment has agreed to a $7.85 million settlement in a class action lawsuit alleging anticompetitive conduct related to digital game prices on PlayStation. The lawsuit claimed SIE's actions, including stopping third-party retailers from selling digital codes, led to consumers paying higher prices between April 2019 and December 2023. Sony denies any wrongdoing, and the court has not ruled on the merits of the claims.
Amazon is sued by the FTC and 22 states for 'secretly' overcharging advertisers since 2019
Amazon is facing a lawsuit from the Federal Trade Commission and 22 states, who allege the company has been secretly overcharging advertisers since 2019. The lawsuit claims this deceptive practice continues to this day.
A year of DOJ scrutiny over a16z board seats — does the rest of venture capital blink?
The U.S. Justice Department has been investigating venture capital firm Andreessen Horowitz for nearly a year regarding board seats held at competing AI companies. This probe, which began under the Trump administration, has puzzled industry observers due to the lack of enforcement on similar issues in the past. The article explores potential reasons for the investigation's duration and its implications for the broader venture capital industry's practices.
PlayStation users are treated like renters but charged like owners, say Mexican politicians amid complaint filed against…
Mexican politicians Iraís Reyes and Luis Donaldo Colosio have filed a complaint against Sony with the National Antitrust Commission, accusing PlayStation of treating users like renters while charging them like owners. The complaint stems from Sony's decision to end support for physical games by January 2028, which critics argue will create monopolistic conditions, eliminate the resale market, and give Sony excessive control over pricing and access.
Business and Finance
Electronic Arts has completed its $55 billion acquisition and announced senior leadership changes. Separately, David Ellison stated that Paramount is open to settling an antitrust lawsuit, and Atari's core business is also mentioned.
Business and Finance
Electronic Arts has announced the completion of its acquisition by a consortium including the Public Investment Fund, Silver Lake, and Affinity Partners. Separately, a judge has set a March date for an antitrust trial involving Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery.
NJ antitrust suit accuses Amazon of unlawfully wielding power over delivery contractors
New Jersey has filed an antitrust lawsuit against Amazon, alleging the company unlawfully uses its power over delivery contractors. The suit claims Amazon's practices harm competition and independent businesses.
Trump threatens EU with new tariffs in response to Google fine
The European Commission has found Google in violation of the Digital Markets Act due to its search ranking practices and anti-steering measures. This ruling could lead to significant changes in how Google operates within the EU.
EU Commission approves $55bn EA buyout, says it "would not raise competition concerns"
The European Commission has approved the $55 billion acquisition of Electronic Arts by a consortium led by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund, stating it would not raise competition concerns. The deal, which includes Silver Lake and Affinity Partners, was reviewed under the EU Merger Regulation and found to have a limited impact on the markets where the companies are active. This approval follows concerns raised by US lawmakers and labor unions regarding potential labor market impacts and foreign investment.
Morning Legal Briefs
The European Commission has fined Google approximately $1 billion for alleged antitrust violations related to its Search and Play Store operations. This ruling addresses concerns about Google's practices within its dominant search engine and mobile application marketplace.
Google slapped with $1 billion fine for violating EU's antitrust legislation
The European Commission has fined Google approximately $1 billion for two violations of the EU's Digital Markets Act, including self-preferencing its own services on Google Search and restricting businesses from directing consumers to alternative purchase channels on Google Play. Google has 60 days to address these violations or face further penalties. The company is already testing changes to its search presentation and plans to adjust AI Overviews and AI Mode to comply with the DMA.
Europe hits Google with $1 billion fine for boxing-out rivals
Europe has imposed a $1 billion fine on Google for illegally abusing its dominance in the search engine market. The fine addresses accusations of boxing out competitors.
Warner Bros. Acquisition Is Stuck In Legal Limbo Again
A judge has issued a two-week pause on the planned acquisition of Warner Bros. Discovery by Paramount Skydance, citing potential antitrust violations. This ruling temporarily halts the deal, which would have transferred ownership of Warner Bros. Games and its valuable IPs like Hogwarts Legacy and Mortal Kombat to Paramount Skydance. The coalition of state attorneys, led by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, argued the merger could lead to higher prices, while Paramount Skydance insists the lawsuit misapplies antitrust laws.
Judge halts Paramount-Warner Bros. merger for a minimum of 14 days
A judge has issued a 14-day restraining order halting the planned merger between Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery, citing potential violations of US antitrust laws. The order was granted after a coalition of state attorneys general argued the deal could lead to fewer content options and higher prices for consumers. Paramount Global and Warner Bros. Discovery will continue to operate as separate entities during the legal proceedings.
Sony’s Digital-Only Future Is Facing Its Biggest Fight Yet
Sony's move towards a digital-only future for PlayStation is facing significant backlash and legal challenges, including an antitrust motion filed by Mexican lawmakers. Critics argue this strategy limits consumer choice, harms the second-hand market, and raises concerns about true game ownership and long-term access, especially given potential issues with regional availability and internet dependency. Organizations like the Electronic Frontier Foundation and even other companies like GOG have voiced strong opposition, highlighting the erosion of trust and the need for Sony to address these issues.
Business and Finance
Paramount is facing an antitrust challenge from state attorneys general regarding its deal with Warner Bros. Discovery. Additionally, a Paramount shareholder has filed a lawsuit against the Ellisons and the board, alleging a side deal with Donald Trump.