Brian C. Rocca

Brian C. Rocca’s legal work spans various high-profile engagements, particularly in technology markets and internet-based services, representing notable clients such as Google and Uber. His versatility is further exemplified in his role as a leading lawyer for beverage distributors in California, where he handles a wide array of issues, including antitrust, brand rights distribution and regulatory compliance.

Among the major cases Rocca has led is the representation of Google in the Google Play Store Antitrust Litigation. In re: Google Play Store Antitrust Litigation, 21-md-02981 (N.D. Cal., filed Feb. 4, 2021).

This multidistrict litigation involves coordinated claims by large developers, a class of consumers and developers and a complaint by state attorneys general. The plaintiffs allege Google monopolized app distribution on Android devices through its Google Play Store policies and agreements. This case, scheduled for trial in November 2023, is of particular significance due to its impact on the digital marketplace and how consumers access digital services and content.

“This work involves protecting innovation and choice and balancing the needs of participants in a multisided ecosystem,” Rocca said. “The work is interesting because it involves how consumers access a wide variety of useful digital services and interesting digital content in their day-to-day lives.”

Rocca said one of the challenges in cases like the Google Play store matter is that global companies face an increasingly connected world and a complex antitrust environment, with evolving regulations and standards in different jurisdictions. A strategic decision in one matter may cause an unanticipated effect elsewhere, he added.

“It is important for clients and their counselors to invest sufficient resources in ensuring coordination across matters and geographies, which means clear communication, a commitment to collaboration, and sufficient planning to ensure that stakeholders can provide timely feedback,” Rocca said.

In addition to litigation, Rocca serves as the primary antitrust counselor to multiple organizations, including trade associations in the education and health care industries and a large agricultural business. His role in these cases highlights his ability to navigate complex antitrust issues and provide strategic legal guidance.

Rocca emphasizes the challenges global companies face in an interconnected world with evolving antitrust regulations across different jurisdictions. He highlights the importance of clear communication, collaboration, and strategic planning to ensure coordinated efforts across various geographies and matters.

Looking to the future, Rocca said antitrust regulators in the United States will need to balance diligent antitrust enforcement, on the one hand, with innovation and economic growth, on the other hand.

“Overregulation runs the risk of chilling legitimate economic activity and potentially undermining American leadership in important industries,” he said. “My hope is that regulators and industry can work together to support responsible antitrust enforcement that does not discourage American companies from investing and creating the next generation of amazing products.”