Google and Advertisers Reach $22.5 Million Class Action Settlement Over AdWords
Google Inc. and a proposed class of AdWords advertisers, represented by the law firm of Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP, recently announced that they have reached a proposed $22.5 million settlement of claims related to Google’s placement of their ads on parked domains and error pages.
Plaintiffs alleged that from July 11th 2004 through March 31st 2008, Google failed to disclose to its AdWords customers that it placed their ads on websites known as parked domains and error pages. Parked domains are websites with little or no content, and error pages are websites that users visit when they enter an unregistered address into their web browser. Google denied these allegations.
“We are gratified by this excellent result for millions of AdWords advertisers,” said Noah Schubert of Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe, Lead Counsel for the Class, “It has been a hard-fought nine-year case including an important victory in the Ninth Circuit.”
On March 9, 2017, U.S. District Court Judge Edward J. Davila granted preliminary approval of the proposed settlement. If the settlement is finally approved, Google will pay $22.5 million into a settlement fund. Under its terms, class members who submit claims will receive payment in proportion to the amount they spent on ads on parked domains and error pages during the class period.
If, during the period from July 11th 2004 through March 31st 2008, you were a United States resident who had a Google AdWords account and were charged for clicks on advertisements appearing on parked domains or error pages, you are a class member and may be entitled to a settlement payment.
(Source: Schubert Jonckheer & Kolbe LLP)
