Korein Tillery and Bartlit Beck Secure Major Victory in $314M Case Against Google

Major Legal Victory: Korein Tillery and Bartlit Beck vs. Google

In a significant legal achievement, the St. Louis and Chicago-based law firm Korein Tillery, alongside Bartlit Beck, has been awarded a decisive victory against tech giant Google. This momentous case proved to be a landmark decision in the realm of privacy rights, culminating in a jury verdict of over $314 million following a trial in California.

Background of the Case

The roots of this high-stakes legal battle trace back to 2019 when the lawsuit was filed. The complaint was centered on allegations that Google improperly transferred cellular data from Android devices without obtaining the necessary consent from the users. This data transfer was said to have occurred without the customers' awareness, and the gathered data was subsequently leveraged to target users with digital advertising, raising serious questions regarding privacy and consent.

The case was particularly crucial for California Android users who had a cellular data plan and utilized a mobile phone running a Google-licensed version of the Android operating system from August 2016 onwards. Setting the stage for the trial, the plaintiffs argued that Google's actions constituted a breach of trust and exploitation of user data for corporate gain.

The Trial and the Verdict

The trial kicked off on June 2, 2025, in Santa Clara County and lasted for three weeks. A critical aspect of the proceedings revolved around the legal definition of whether cellular data could be classified as property under California law. While a previous federal complaint had dismissed these claims, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals later reversed this decision, establishing a pivotal legal precedent that played a significant role in the jury’s final deliberations.

Following deliberation, the jury conclusively sided with Korein Tillery and Bartlit Beck, imposing a substantial financial penalty on Google. After the verdict, Marc Wallenstein, a partner at Korein Tillery, expressed his views, stating, “It is undeniably clear that the jury agreed with us that Google had been covertly collecting an enormous amount of Android user data, then converting it for their own profit.” He underscored the company’s opacity in their data collection practices, which were embedded in the programming code, effectively curtailing users' ability to opt-out of such intrusive practices.

The Legal Team

The litigation team at Korein Tillery comprised of several notable attorneys, including Chad Bell, George Zelcs, Carol O'Keefe, Ryan Cortazar, Pamela Yaacoub, and Devin Dippold. Bartlit Beck also contributed a skilled team, with key figures like Karma Giulianelli and Glen Summers. Their combined efforts and legal expertise proved instrumental in shaping the case and achieving a favorable outcome for the plaintiffs.

Implications of the Verdict

This landmark decision not only serves as a reminder of the importance of user consent and transparency in data collection practices but also establishes a precedent for future privacy rights cases. The verdict sends a strong message to corporations regarding the necessity of ethical practices in handling user data and reinforces users' rights to be informed about how their personal information is utilized.

As Korein Tillery continues to make strides in civil litigation, the success of this case further cements their reputation as leaders in advocating for consumer rights, having won billions in verdicts and settlements. This victory against a major technology firm like Google exemplifies their commitment to challenging large corporations that infringe on individual privacy.

With the increasing concerns surrounding data privacy and the ever-expanding digital landscape, the outcome of this case may very well encourage other users to stand up for their rights, fostering a larger conversation about data ownership and protection. Korein Tillery and Bartlit Beck's triumph marks both a turning point in legal practice and a hopeful outlook for consumer advocates across the nation.