A decision in U.S. District Court on April 17, 2025, saw Google lose in two of the three rulings made on antitrust claims. A U.S. District Court judge agreed with the federal government that the online behemoth had created a monopoly with its publishing tools and the software system it uses to facilitate ad space transactions.
The attempt by the federal government to limit the power of the online giant means Google finds itself in good company. Apple faces a suit from the Department of Justice, while the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) has pending cases against Meta and Amazon. All highlight the government's determination to address the influence and control wielded by the internet's biggest players.
An Ad Should Be an Appetizer, Not a Buffet
Google, which is part of its parent company Alphabet, makes the majority of its revenue through advertising and services related to ads. Users of their Chrome web browser are likely familiar with ads popping up that are tailored to their interests. Another major source of ad revenue comes from customers buying top placement spots in the results generated by Google's search engine.
Gathered under the umbrella of Google Services, the ad revenue is combined with other offerings such as app sales, in-app purchases, digital content products, hardware, and fees received for subscription-based products. In the first three quarters of 2024, it generated $220.8 billion.
With Great Power Comes Great Responsibility
Google's climb to the top of the heap has long drawn the attention of the federal government. A 2023 ruling determined Google's app store to be in violation of antitrust laws. 2024 saw another split decision of charges against Google's search engine and ad generation.
In the ruling handed down on April 17, 2025, District Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia minced no words when assessing Google's role and actions in the online advertising. In her decision, Judge Brinkema stated that Google was guilty of "willfully acquiring and maintaining monopoly power in the open-web display publisher ad server market and the open-web display ad exchange market." This allowed it to crush its competitors and set higher rates for its advertisers due to its power and status.
Google did so in violation of Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Act, one of several antitrust laws enforced by the Antitrust Division of the Department of Justice. Eight other U.S. states, including New Jersey and Virginia, joined the federal government as plaintiffs.
Judge Brinkema ruled against the plaintiffs concerning the claim that Google also unfairly dominates the open-web display advertising ad networks. She said they failed to establish that a viable market fitting that description exists.
Breaking Up Is Hard To Do
Next up will be a hearing date to determine the appropriate remedies for the antitrust violations. In the lawsuit, the Justice Department asks for the court to force Google to sell parts of its ad technology business. It's reminiscent of the infamous court-imposed breakup of AT&T in 1982.
In the face of possible seismic changes to their company, Google claimed victory over the part of the ruling that favored them and allowed their open-web display advertiser ad networks to continue operation unfettered. Facing the breakup of the company over the first two counts, Google's vice-president of regulatory affairs announced the company's intent to appeal. While bloodied, it's clear that Google considers the ruling one round in a long fight.
Related Resources
- Can I Sue Google? (FindLaw's Filing a Lawsuit)
- What Is Antitrust Law and Trade Regulation? (FindLaw's Learn About the Law)
- Does Your Law Firm's Website Meet Google's E-E-A-T Criteria? (FindLaw's Lawyer Marketing Insights)
