Table of Contents
It’s a huge “phew of relief” for Audrey Lecoqthe founding director of Pharmazon. The Orléans commercial court, in a interim orderruled in favor this Thursday of the Orléans company in the conflict which has opposed it since this summer to Google. The decision is immediately applicable, even if the American giant decides to appeal. “There were people who told me: “you will never be able to win against a giant like that”smiles the business manager. What makes me happy today is that French justice shows that it is impartial, whatever the size of the company.“
Online sales for individuals provide 10% of Pharmazon’s turnover
Created in 2015 as a wholesaler of parapharmaceutical products for pharmacies, Pharmazon expanded its range of products and its target in September 2021, by creating an online sales site for individuals. You can order baby milk, shampoo, toothpaste, creams, etc. on the Pharmazon website and have it delivered free of charge to one of the Orléans company’s 1,200 partner pharmacies – a system that allows everyone to access numerous products while defending the network of local pharmacies (which are Pharmazon’s sole delivery location for orders below €29).
Google cannot impose its rules unilaterally
This economic model works so well that Pharmazon has experienced strong development with now 23 employees pour 27 million euros turnoverincluding 10% coming from this online sale for individuals. Until last August, Google Shopping considers that free delivery to pharmacies does not comply with its sales rules, which only provide for home delivery or parcel relay – which implies additional transport costs. On September 23, Pharmazon and Google found a compromise agreement (indicating two options: either free delivery to pharmacies, or free home delivery or parcel relay from €29) but which was not actually respected (the Google Shopping display making it appear that a minimum of €29 in purchases was required for free delivery, while the average Pharmazon basket is… €27). The commercial court orders Google to respect this agreement or to reinstate the previous systemand this within 15 days, under penalty of financial penalties.
**1. How might this court ruling influence the business strategies of other small companies operating in online marketplaces dominated by tech giants?**
## David vs. Goliath: French Startup Pharmazon Wins Round One Against Google
**Orléans, France** – In a victory for small businesses everywhere, Pharmazon, a pharmaceutical distributor based in Orléans, has secured a significant legal win against tech giant Google. An interim order issued by the Orléans commercial court ruled in Pharmazon’s favor, offering a much-needed “phew of relief” according to Audrey Lecoq, the company’s founder and director.
The conflict, brewing since this summer, stemmed from Google’s alleged interference with Pharmazon’s online sales operations. While the specific nature of the dispute remains unclear, Lecoq’s relief and pronouncements about the impartiality of French justice suggest a David-versus-Goliath struggle, with Pharmazon fighting to protect its online marketplace against monopolistic practices.
“There were people who told me: ‘you will never be able to win against a giant like that,'” Lecoq shared, highlighting the uphill battle fought by her company. “What makes me happy today is that French justice shows that it is impartial, whatever the size of the company.”
The court’s decision is immediately enforceable, even if Google decides to appeal. This initial victory marks a crucial step for Pharmazon, reinforcing the principle that even smaller businesses can successfully challenge larger corporations in the pursuit of fairness in the digital marketplace.
**What’s Next?**
This case highlights the ongoing debate about the power of large tech companies and their impact on small businesses. The outcome of any potential appeal by Google will be closely watched, as it could set a precedent for future legal battles regarding online competition and fair practices.
**[Continue article with information about Pharmazon’s business model, the impact of online sales on the pharmaceutical industry, and further details about the conflict with Google. ]**
