In a blow to Google’s attempts to overturn a record-breaking fine, Europe’s top court has upheld a 4.1 billion euro penalty for abusing its market position in Android.

The company fought hard over years, but the Court of Justice of the European Union is now leaving it with no option but to cough up the hefty sum by complying with the conditions set out to reduce its unfair advantage.

The fine stems from Google’s bundling practices on Android phones. The EU was unhappy that search and Chrome were default options, giving Google an edge over competitors. Despite this setback, Google retains a dominant position in Europe's tech sector.

Interestingly, the case echoes earlier actions taken against Microsoft when it dominated Internet Explorer. However, while Microsoft’s browser dominance waned soon after the ruling, Google’s market share remains strong even as it faces similar ballot screens on Android devices.