1PlusV, a Web publishing firm based in Paris, France, filed a lawsuit seeking 295 million euros (US$420 million), in the Paris Commercial Court on Tuesday, according to a statement from the company.
The French company accused Google of using its search engine to give preference to its own products and services in its search results. 1PlusV’s lawsuit claims that Google engaged in anti-competitive behavior.
The $420 million figure sued is derived from the revenues 1PlusV claims it would have received without Google’s interference, 1PlusV said.
The lawsuit comes on the heels of Google being investigated by U.S. and European Union regulators for anti-competitive actions related to Web search. The Federal Trade Commission last week subpoenaed Google and began an investigation into the company’s business practices.
Last year, 1PlusV filed a separate antitrust complaint against Google with the European Commission, related to a different search matter.
According to a CNN report, Google has 90 percent search engine market share in Europe. Google declined to comment on this specific matter.
