Brazil’s CADE Clears Google Conduct Deal, Halts App and Revenue Pacts in Android Case

Overview

• The tribunal approved a conduct‑cessation commitment and suspended its investigation until Google fulfills the agreed obligations.
• Google must notify device manufacturers within 45 days that the suspended agreements are no longer in force and it is barred from retaliatory measures such as price increases.
• Clauses that required Chrome and Google Search to be preinstalled, restricted sales of Android versions not approved by Google, and paid OEMs to avoid rival search apps are prohibited.
• Only Android compatibility agreements were retained, while distribution and revenue‑sharing arrangements were suspended under an initial three‑year monitoring regime that may be extended by three years.
• Noncompliance can trigger fines of R$2 million per event, daily penalties up to R$250,000, a R$10 million fine for total breach, and potential sanctions up to 20% of Brazilian smartphone‑market revenue if the case resumes and ends in conviction.