Court of Appeal in Antwerp Upholds Landmark Ruling on Class Justice

Landmark Ruling on Class Justice Upheld

Antwerp Court of Appeal Rejects Appeal Against Groundbreaking Decision

In a landmark victory for class justice, the Court of Appeal in Antwerp has upheld a groundbreaking ruling that allows consumers to seek compensation for damages suffered as a result of anti-competitive practices.

The ruling stems from a case brought by the Belgian consumer organization Test-Achats against Mastercard, alleging that the company had abused its dominant position in the market by charging excessive fees to merchants.

The Court of First Instance in Brussels initially ruled in favor of Mastercard, but the Court of Appeal overturned that decision in 2021, finding that Mastercard had indeed engaged in anti-competitive behavior.

Significance of the Ruling

The ruling is significant for several reasons. Firstly, it establishes a precedent for class justice in Belgium, allowing consumers to join forces to seek compensation for damages suffered as a result of anti-competitive practices.

Secondly, it sends a strong message to companies that they cannot abuse their dominant position in the market to the detriment of consumers.

Thirdly, it is a victory for consumer rights and access to justice, as it provides consumers with a powerful tool to hold companies accountable for their actions.

Next Steps

The Court of Appeal's ruling is a major step forward for class justice in Belgium, but it is not the end of the road.

Mastercard has already announced that it will appeal the decision to the Court of Cassation, the highest court in Belgium.

The outcome of the appeal will be closely watched by consumer organizations, businesses, and legal experts alike, as it will have a significant impact on the future of class justice in Belgium.

Additional Information

For more information on the ruling, please visit the website of the Court of Appeal in Antwerp: https://www.hof-antwerpen.be/

For more information on class justice in Belgium, please visit the website of Test-Achats: https://www.test-achats.be/