A class-action lawsuit against Apple and Google that suggested the companies' CEOs met secretly and conspired to crush the search market has been dismissed by a California judge. There are numerous lawsuits filed against Apple and Google, but some lawsuits die out once they reach the courts. Many people believe that there is some secret agreement between Apple and Google that goes beyond what is known, and some people believe this and take it to court.
According to a court filing, California Judge Rita Lin dismissed all of the plaintiff's claims but gave one of the claims a chance to be revised and retried. The plaintiff has 30 days to file a second amended complaint.
The first allegation indicates that Apple and Google reached a secret agreement in which Apple would not compete in the search business in exchange for Google's profit distribution. The claim was dismissed and no amendment was granted.
The second complaint alleges that Apple and Google's exclusive default search engine agreement eliminates the opportunity for competition. The plaintiff did not provide sufficient evidence and was allowed to amend the claim, but not before the claim was dismissed.
Plaintiffs were unable to prove harm caused by antitrust or the alleged conduct. The judge dismissed the plaintiff's claim, did not allow it to amend the claim, and also rejected the plaintiff's claim for compensation.
If a judge determines that the refiled complaint is insufficient, the case will be dismissed with prejudice, meaning the plaintiff will not be able to pursue these claims again. Meanwhile, the Justice Department’s antitrust investigation remains ongoing with no end in sight.