US DOJ appeals court ruling in Google monopoly case

The United States Department of Justice and plaintiffs in the antitrust case against Google have filed a cross-appeal against the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit’s ruling against Google’s search monopoly.

“Today, the DOJ Antitrust Division filed notice that it will cross-appeal from the remedies decisions in its case against Google’s unlawful monopolization of internet search and search advertising,” the Department of Justice says in a message on X.

The lawsuit against Google’s alleged search engine monopoly has been going on for years.

The US Department of Justice filed a lawsuit against the Mountain View-based tech company in 2020, arguing that Google had unlawfully used distribution agreements with parties like web browser developers, smartphone manufacturers, and telecom providers to thwart competition and maintain its monopoly in the search engine and online advertising market.

After years of legal battles, US Federal District Judge Amit Mehta concluded that Google was guilty of creating an illegal monopoly in the search engine market to maintain its dominance.

The DOJ asked the court to force Google to sell its Chrome browser division, and possibly Android as well. The court disagreed. However, the tech giant was ordered to share search data with its competitors.

Despite this setback, the Department of Justice called the verdict a “historic win” for the American people.

Earlier this month, Google announced that it will appeal the court’s ruling as well.

“As we have long said, the court’s August 2024 ruling ignored the reality that people use Google because they want to, not because they’re forced to,” Lee-Anne Mulholland, Vice President and Global Head of Regulatory Affairs at Google, said in a statement.

“The decision failed to account for the rapid pace of innovation and intense competition we face from established players and well-funded start-ups. And it discounted compelling testimony from browser makers like Apple and Mozilla, who said they choose to feature Google because it provides the highest quality search experience for their consumers,” she continued.

The dual appeals, which will most likely begin later this year, could prolong the case for years. The ruling resulting from the appeals can also be challenged. In that case, the lawsuit will be brought before the US Supreme Court, which will deliver a final ruling.

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