Google’s attempt to dismiss a US antitrust case over digital advertising fails

Alphabet’s Google faces trial over allegations it illegally dominates the online advertising technology market. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema, presiding in Alexandria, Virginia, denied Google’s request to dismiss the case during Friday’s hearing, Reuters reported.

Google moved for summary judgment, arguing that antitrust laws do not prohibit companies from refusing to do business with competitors. The company also argued that regulators had failed to accurately define the ad tech market. However, Judge Brinkema found that there were substantive disputes requiring a hearing, which is scheduled to begin on September 9.

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The Justice Department and a coalition of states filed a lawsuit against Google last year. The lawsuit alleged that Google illegally monopolizes digital advertising and overcharges users. The primary remedy sought by the plaintiffs is to break up Google’s digital advertising business in order to increase competition in the marketplace.

A Google spokesman said in response to the ruling: “We look forward to clarifying the situation.”

In addition to taking the case to trial, Judge Brinkema granted regulators’ request to block a former FBI agent who was a Google cybersecurity consultant from testifying as an expert witness. This decision may impact the evidence and testimony presented at trial.

Source: Reuters