[jillesvangurp]

What do you think happens if they are caught again? By then the precedent has been set. Easy decision. Fine them again. And obviously the previous fine didn't work so increase it. Courts have no patience for repeat offenders.

Also, it sends a signal to wannabe competitors to this company that there are laws and there are consequences for breaking those.

And of course given that these companies have money, there are going to be lawyers paying attention to see if they can get at that money in some way. Germany is almost as bad on that front as California. Lots of enterprising lawyers here. So, one successful court case can trigger many more once the precedent is set.