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ARTICLE · 20 MARCH 2025

Implications For The Platform Operators, As The Scope Of Essential Facilities Doctrine Is Further Curtailed By Android Auto Ruling

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On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union ruled that Google's refusal to make Android Auto interoperable with a third-party EV charging station app may constitute an abuse of dominance.

United KingdomLitigation, Mediation & Arbitration
Christophe Humpe
Christophe Humpe
Roque Botas Armero
Roque Botas Armero
Greg Dowell
Greg Dowell

On 25 February 2025, the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) ruled that Google's refusal to make Android Auto interoperable with a third-party EV charging station app may constitute an abuse of dominance. The ruling is significant in underscoring the limited role of the essential facilities doctrine in digital markets, by confirming that operators of digital platforms may act abusively by refusing access to their platforms even where such access is not indispensable to compete in another market.

Background

Android Auto is a platform developed by Google that enables drivers to use apps on their Android phones via their car's infotainment system display. Google has already made available "templates" for messaging and media apps that allow developers of such apps to create versions of their apps that interoperate with Android Auto, without a need for lengthy testing procedures. Google has also developed a version of its navigation apps (i.e. Google Maps

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