BRUSSELS – Belgian online advertising start-up Proxistore has secured a court order requiring Google to pay it €76 million following a commercial dispute. The ruling, issued by the Walloon Brabant Business Court, mandates the seizure of funds from Google’s Citibank account in Ireland.
According to Belgian newspaper Le Soir, the court decision stems from Google’s abrupt blocking of Proxistore’s advertising campaigns earlier this year. The tech giant had restricted the start-up’s campaigns on February 1 and again on February 12, with the blockage lasting a total of 76 hours.
Proxistore, arguing that the disruption caused significant financial losses, sought legal intervention, demanding the reinstatement of its services and €76 million in damages—equivalent to €1 million per hour of service interruption. The court ruled in the start-up’s favour, granting an urgent seizure of funds.
Court-Ordered Seizure of Google’s Funds
The court order requires Google’s bank in Ireland to freeze €76 million in the company’s account, ensuring the amount is secured while allowing access to any remaining balance. If Google does not comply with the payment within 14 days and fails to file a valid appeal, the sum will automatically be transferred to Proxistore.
As of Monday, the Irish Ministry of Justice had not confirmed receipt of the court order, which was issued last Thursday. Meanwhile, Google’s response remains defiant.
Google Calls Ruling ‘One-Sided’
A spokesperson for Google criticised the court’s decision, arguing that the ruling was issued without considering its side of the dispute. The tech company also accused Proxistore of failing to pay outstanding invoices, an allegation the Belgian start-up firmly denies.
“This ruling was made without full consideration of the facts. We are reviewing our legal options,” Google stated.
Proxistore, which specialises in hyper-localised digital advertising, claims it has been targeted unfairly by Google, adding that this is not the first legal battle between the two companies.
The case highlights growing tensions between large tech firms and smaller digital businesses that rely on platforms such as Google to operate. The dispute also raises questions about competition and market dominance in the online advertising sector, where companies like Google wield significant control.
Legal and Business Implications
While the ruling represents a major victory for Proxistore, legal experts suggest that Google is likely to challenge the decision in Irish courts. Given the complexity of cross-border legal enforcement, it remains unclear how quickly the Belgian start-up will receive the funds, if at all.
The case could also set a precedent for smaller companies seeking legal recourse against tech giants for service disruptions and perceived anti-competitive behaviour.
For now, Proxistore awaits Google’s next move, as the 14-day deadline for compliance looms.
