As reported by Reuters, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) has cleared the way for a major antitrust lawsuit against Apple to proceed in the Netherlands. This ruling marks a pivotal moment for the Cupertino giant, as it confirms that Dutch courts have the authority to handle cases involving Apple’s App Store practices.
The core of this dispute revolves around jurisdiction. Apple had previously argued that Dutch courts were not the appropriate venue for this lawsuit. However, the CJEU firmly rejected this stance. The court determined that because the App Store is specifically tailored to Dutch consumers, complete with Dutch-language apps and support for local Apple IDs, the alleged damage occurs within Dutch territory.
This ruling breathes new life into a class-action lawsuit brought forward by two consumer groups: the “Right to Consumer Justice” and “App Store Claims” foundations. These groups allege that Apple engaged in anti-competitive behavior by charging excessive commissions—up to 30%—on app purchases and subscriptions. They argue that these fees have unfairly inflated prices for millions of iPhone and iPad users in the Netherlands, seeking damages that could reach hundreds of millions of euros.
The implications of this judgment extend far beyond the Dutch borders. By establishing that national courts can assert jurisdiction over digital marketplaces that target their specific populations, the CJEU has potentially lowered the barrier for similar consumer lawsuits in other EU member states. This precedent strips away one of Apple’s primary legal defenses, forcing the company to address the actual substance of antitrust claims rather than dismissing them on procedural grounds.
Looking ahead, the case will now return to the District Court of Amsterdam for a full hearing, which is expected to take place in early 2026.
What do you think about the court’s decision? Does it pave the way for fairer digital markets, or does it complicate the landscape for global tech companies? Let us know in the comments below! Stay updated with the latest news on this by downloading the Appleosophy App from the App Store or by visiting our website.
