Google & Facebook Advertising
This case makes two types of claims. First, it alleges that Google and Facebook agreed that Facebook would not compete with Google in certain segments of the digital display advertising market, in exchange for Google rigging its auctions in Facebook’s favour. Second, it alleges that Google represented to publishers that it was maximizing their revenues when in fact it was manipulating bids in a manner that harmed publishers.
The court will decide at a later date if the case will proceed as a class action.
The case seeks to represent all Canadian publishers who sold digital display advertising space and all Canadian advertisers who placed digital display advertisements either (i) using Google’s tools since April 13, 2016; or (ii) using Facebook’s tools since September 27, 2018.
- November 4, 2024: All parties have appealed. All materials will be filed by March 19, 2025.
If the plaintiff wins on appeal, then the claim will proceed for conspiracy, bid-rigging, and misrepresentation against Google and Facebook. If the defendants win on appeal, then the claim will still proceed, but only for misrepresentation, and only against Google. - October 11, 2024: Chief Justice Crampton partially granted and partially dismissed the defendants’ motions to strike. The defendants won on conspiracy and bid-rigging. The plaintiff won on jurisdiction and misrepresentation.
- March 19-21, 2024: Chief Justice Crampton heard the motions to strike brought by Google and Facebook. The decision is under reserve.
- February 23, 2024: The court approved the funding agreement, which will allow us to proceed with the case.
- January 16 to 19, 2024: Defendants’ motions to strike the claim and to challenge jurisdiction will be heard on these dates. The Plaintiffs’ Certification motion will be scheduled following those motions.
- January 31, 2023: The Certification Motion Record was filed at the Federal Court.
- March 16, 2022: The Statement of Claim was issued.
- Funding Approval Order issued February 23, 2024
- Fresh as Amended Statement of Claim issued March 16, 2023
- Statement of Claim issued March 16, 2022
- Pass Herald v. Google LLC: In Search of a Fair Return, OBA Class Actions Law Section, June 13, 2024.
- How third-party funding allowed a tiny newspaper to wage legal warfare against Google and Meta, The Globe and Mail, March 20, 2024.
- I am off again for work., Pass Herald, March 13, 2024.
- Court approves funding agreement in proposed class action against Google, Facebook, LAW360, March 4, 2024.
- How the Pass Herald became the plaintiff in a lawsuit, The Taber Times, April 6, 2022.
- Southern Alberta newspaper suing Facebook and Google, BridgeCityNews, March 24, 2022.
- Crowsnest Pass Herald suing Google, Facebook., Lethbridge Herald, March 24, 2022.
What is a class action?
A class action is a special form of lawsuit in which one plaintiff brings a claim against one or more defendants based on allegations which are common to a group, or class, of people. In order for the action to become a class action, it must proceed through a stage known as “certification”.
Who brings a class action lawsuit forward?
A statement of claim is issued on behalf of a “representative plaintiff”. The representative plaintiff’s role is to work with class counsel to bring the action forward and to represent the class members in court.
What is certification?
In order for an action to proceed on behalf of the entire class, a judge must decide (among other things) whether the members of the proposed class have common issues, and whether a class action is the preferred way to resolve the issues. The process to decide these issues is known as the “certification motion”. If the judge is satisfied that the case meets all of the requirements for certification, he or she will issue an order which certifies the action as a class action.
Do I have to do anything to “join” the lawsuit?
No. If the lawsuit is certified, and you are included in the class as defined, you are automatically included in the lawsuit.
Once I am part of the class do I have to do anything?
No. We will work primarily with the class representative.
What if I do not want to be included in the lawsuit?
Those who do not wish to remain in the class will be given the option to opt-out by sending an opt-out form at the appropriate time to us.
What are the benefits of proceeding as a class action?
Certification as a class action will enable us to prove the facts in a single lawsuit rather than in numerous individual lawsuits. This has obvious benefits to the class members and to the courts.
How long does it take for a class action to be resolved?
There is no timeframe. We will move the case forward diligently but it can take a considerable period of time to reach trial.
Can a class action lawsuit be settled without going to trial?
Many class actions settle and thereby remove the need for a trial. However, we cannot predict with any certainty whether or not there will be a settlement in a given action.
What are the chances of winning the action?
The chances of “winning” can never be accurately predicted.
Will be liable for any costs or legal fees?
Class action lawsuits are typically brought on a contingency fee basis. This means that the lawyers will only be paid if the action is successful at trial or results in a settlement in favour of the plaintiffs. Legal fees would then be paid out of the settlement or judgment proceeds as approved by a judge.
Disbursements (i.e. out-of-pocket expenses, including expert reports) may be dealt with in one of two ways.
Most commonly, the lawyers will absorb the cost of disbursements. The lawyers may seek funding assistance from the Class Proceeding Fund, which may provide funding for disbursements if granted.
In some cases, disbursements may be funded by the class members, including the class representative. This typically occurs in smaller class actions brought on behalf of an organization or network of individuals where each member of the class is easily identifiable and known to the representative plaintiff. If the class action is successful, amounts advanced for disbursements are re-paid from the proceeds of any judgment or settlement to class members (and others).
Will I be liable for costs of the action if it is unsuccessful?
Only the class representative may be liable for costs of the common issues portion of the action if it is unsuccessful.
When can I expect to receive a payout from this class action?
A “payout” or an award for damages is never certain.
The action may settle or it may proceed to trial, at which time a judge will determine the amount of damages, if any, to which the class members are entitled to. Regardless, the amount of “payout” cannot be predicted, and we cannot predict when the action may settle or when the trial will conclude.
How will counsel keep me updated on the progress of the case?
If the lawsuit is certified as a class action, you will receive a formal notice from the court explaining the nature of the case and providing you with the opportunity to opt out if you wish. General information about the lawsuit will be posted on Sotos LLP’s website at https://www.sotosclassactions.com.
Where can I send any documents that I have that may be relevant to a class action?
We ask that you keep a copy of any documents, correspondences, records, invoices, receipts, etc. that you feel might be relevant to your individual claim in the class action. If there is a “payout,” this documentation may be required in order to support your claim for compensation.
It is not required that you send any documents to us at this time.