The Polish competition authority, UOKiK, has announced that consumers and businesses affected by antitrust violations, such as market collusion or abuse of dominance, are entitled to seek compensation. Recent rulings, including a significant case involving Google, have highlighted the potential for substantial damages, exceeding half a billion euros.

UOKiK President Tomasz Chróstny emphasized that anticompetitive practices lead to higher prices for consumers and businesses, and there are legal provisions allowing victims to claim significant compensation. The authority aims to assist in the legal proceedings for those affected, including farmers, drivers, and fitness club members.

Since September 2025, the process for obtaining compensation has been simplified following a ruling from the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU), which clarified that the limitation period for claims begins only when a competition authority's decision becomes final. This gives victims more time to prepare their lawsuits.

Victims can pursue compensation based on UOKiK's decisions that confirm antitrust violations. They can file claims individually or as a group, minimizing their involvement in the legal process. UOKiK's decisions can significantly ease the burden of proof in court, as claimants do not need to demonstrate that a violation occurred if a decision has already been made.

Recent UOKiK decisions have addressed various sectors, including the automotive industry and fitness clubs, indicating that affected parties can seek compensation for overpayments due to collusion. UOKiK can also provide legal support during court proceedings, including sharing evidence of violations.

Ultimately, only civil courts can award compensation in Poland, ensuring a clear division of responsibilities between courts and competition authorities. UOKiK's role is to detect violations and gather evidence, while victims can initiate civil proceedings once a violation is established.