A US federal judge ruled that the antitrust lawsuit against Google brought by the US government will be decided by a judge and not a jury after Google paid back the full amount of monetary damages sought by the lawsuit. The case revolves around Google’s advertising technology and is the first antitrust suit against a Big Tech company brought by the Biden administration. The decision by US District Judge Leonie Brinkema on Friday is seen as a setback for the Justice Department, which had sought a jury trial for the case. The Department of Justice and multiple states have alleged that Google engaged in anticompetitive behavior by bullying rivals through mergers and pressuring publishers and advertisers to use its proprietary ad technology products.
Google argued that the payment of $2.3 million to the government settled the claim for damages and, as a result, a jury trial was no longer necessary. In response to the ruling, Google spokesperson Peter Schottenfels expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating that the DOJ’s damages claim had fallen apart and that they were pleased the case would be tried by a judge. Google maintains that the case is an attempt to interfere with competition in a highly competitive industry that has contributed to economic growth for businesses of all sizes. The company looks forward to presenting their case in court and is scheduled to be heard on June 21 for Google’s motion for summary dismissal, which could potentially terminate the case without a trial, with a bench trial set for September if the motion is not granted.
The ruling by Judge Brinkema marks a significant milestone in the ongoing legal battle between Google and the government over antitrust issues related to the company’s ad-tech practices. The outcome of this case could have far-reaching implications for the technology industry as a whole, as it sets a precedent for how antitrust regulations are enforced against Big Tech companies. Google’s payment of the damages sought by the government demonstrates the company’s willingness to resolve the legal dispute and avoid a prolonged court battle that could have negative consequences for its reputation and business operations.
The decision to have the case decided by a judge rather than a jury is seen as a strategic move by Google to potentially expedite the legal process and secure a more favorable outcome. By settling the damages claim and avoiding a jury trial, Google may be able to present its case more effectively in a bench trial and argue against the allegations made by the government. The hearing set for June 21 on Google’s motion for summary dismissal will provide further insight into how the case will proceed and whether the court will ultimately decide in favor of Google or the government.
Overall, the ruling in the antitrust case against Google represents a significant development in the ongoing legal battle between the tech giant and the government. The decision to have the case decided by a judge rather than a jury, combined with Google’s payment of the damages sought by the government, sets the stage for a potential resolution to the antitrust issues raised in the lawsuit. The outcome of this case will be closely watched by industry stakeholders and legal experts, as it could have a lasting impact on how antitrust regulations are enforced in the technology sector and shape the future of competition in the digital advertising industry.
