EU Court Allows Antitrust Lawsuit Against Apple in Dutch Court — Latest 2025

EU Court Rules Apple Can Be Sued in Dutch Court for Antitrust Damages — 2 December 2025

The Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) issued a landmark ruling on 2 December 2025, declaring that Apple can face antitrust-damages claims in a Dutch court. This major legal development opens the door for consumers and app developers in the Netherlands to seek compensation over alleged unfair App Store practices.

The case was initiated by two Dutch foundations, Stichting Right to Consumer Justice and Stichting App Stores, who argue that Apple charged excessively high commissions and restricted developers by forcing them to use Apple’s in-app payment system. According to the claimants, these practices amount to an abuse of market dominance, resulting in financial harm to both developers and consumers.

Apple previously argued that Dutch courts lacked jurisdiction because the alleged violations did not occur “directly on Dutch soil.” However, the CJEU rejected Apple’s position, ruling that the Dutch market was clearly targeted:

The App Store interface was designed specifically for Dutch users.

The platform operated in the Dutch language.

Users making purchases had Apple IDs registered in the Netherlands.

Therefore, the court concluded that the economic harm occurred within the Netherlands, regardless of the buyers’ physical location. This gives Dutch courts full authority to hear and proceed with the antitrust-damages case.

The ruling significantly increases pressure on Apple. If the plaintiffs succeed, Apple may be required to pay millions of euros in compensation to affected developers and customers. The decision also strengthens the European Union’s tough stance on Big Tech under the Digital Markets Act (DMA). Earlier in 2025, Apple was already fined under the DMA, which the company is currently challenging in court.

This ruling could reshape the digital-market landscape. Potential effects include:

Developers gaining the right to use alternative payment systems

Possible reduction in App Store commission fees

Greater price transparency and lower costs for consumers

Increased legal scrutiny on other major tech companies operating within Europe

Ultimately, the CJEU’s decision reinforces that no matter how powerful a tech company may be, it must operate within the boundaries of European competition law. For consumers and developers, the ruling represents a significant step toward ensuring fair digital-market practices.

The Dutch court will now proceed with the full case hearing. If the allegations are proven, it could become one of the most consequential antitrust outcomes Apple has faced in the European Union. This ruling sets a strong precedent that strengthens user rights and enhances regulatory oversight across the digital economy.