BT Group triumphs in landmark CAT case: Disappointment for UK class actions

Hot off the press: CAT delivers judgment ([2024] CAT 76) in Justin Le Patourel v BT Group plc

The Competition Appeal Tribunal (CAT) has ruled in favour of BT Group plc, dismissing the high value class action lawsuit filed by Justin Le Patourel. This decision means that BT is not required to pay compensation to the 2.3 million customers who were part of the proposed class.

This landmark case, the UK's first opt-out collective proceeding to reach trial, has garnered significant attention across the legal landscape. The ruling could shape the handling of future class actions in the UK, particularly in terms of certifying such claims and establishing allegations of dominance abuse through unfair pricing practices. Moreover, the decision will reverberate through the litigation funding landscape, highlighting the hurdles faced in achieving success with collective actions and, in the current climate, may discourage funders from supporting similar cases in the future.

For those keen on staying informed about class actions and legal trends, Solomonic provides real-time tracking and analytics, offering valuable insights into ongoing and upcoming cases.

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