Decision against Google reinforces legal risks of partnerships with companies without headquarters in Brazil

The recent condemnation of Google to pay compensation in excess of R$ 50 thousand to a consumer for problems related to a game purchased via Google Play raises an alert for companies that mediate digital services and products. The court decision was based on the fact that the game developer had no headquarters in Brazil, which prevented the consumer from seeking redress directly with the responsible company.As a result, the platform was considered part of the consumer chain and held responsible for the losses suffered. However, the decision has not yet been res judiciated and is under appeal, which means that it can be annulled or modified.

This case highlights a risk similar to that occurring in the sports betting market in Brazil, which has registered an accelerated growth in recent years. Many platforms partner with foreign operators that do not have representation in the country, which can generate legal complications for consumers. Without a company legally established in Brazil, customers may face difficulties to claim their rights, exposing themselves to a scenario of legal uncertainty similar to the recent case involving Google.

“This decision reinforces the critical role of companies that mediate digital products and services in consumer protection. Based on the Consumer Protection Code, when a platform participates in the consumer chain, it needs to ensure that its partners have a legal structure that ensures the rights of the customer. The lack of this security can result in financial losses and damage to the reputation of the company”, he explains Priscila Condeli, Head of Legal Ops at DeltaAI.