Google claims record $ 5 billion fine

BRUSSELS (Reuters) – Google Alphabet Unit (GOOGL.O) on Tuesday challenged a record fine of 4.34 billion euros (3.8 billion pounds sterling) imposed three months ago by antitrust regulators of the European Union for using its well-known system. Android mobile operation to thwart rivals.

"We have now appealed the EC's decision on Android to the court of the European Union," Google said in an email. Earlier, he had stated that he would take the case to the second European Court of Justice in Luxembourg.

The company has raised the arguments put forward by the CEO, Sundar Pichai, the day of the EU decision in July, the main one is that Android has created more choice for consumers, not less.

In its July ruling, the European Commission said Google had abused its market dominance since 2011. Android, used for free by device makers, is present on about 80% of the world's smartphones.

EU competition officials said Google's illegal practices include requiring manufacturers to pre-install Google Search and its Chrome browser as well as its Google Play app store on their Android devices.

EU antitrust authorities said the company had also paid manufacturers to preinstall only Google Search and prevented them from using competing Android systems.

The complex case could take several years before judges pronounce themselves. A last resort is possible in the highest court of Europe, the Court of Justice of the European Union, but only on points of law.