Google recently managed to avoid a jury trial in its ongoing antitrust case by delivering a $2,289,751 cashier’s cheque to the US Department of Justice (DOJ). The cheque covers damages for one of the claims in the lawsuit, which is being brought against Google by the DOJ and 18 US states. The lawsuit alleges that Google holds a monopoly in the digital advertising market. By paying the damages, Google ensured that the case would be decided by a judge rather than a jury, a strategic move that could help streamline the legal proceedings.
The payment was hand-delivered to the DOJ and included the full amount of damages calculated by the DOJ’s own experts. According to Google’s legal team, this decision was made to avoid unnecessary litigation costs and to focus on the core issues of the case. In response, US District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in Google’s favor, confirming that the payment was sufficient to cover the damages sought by the DOJ. Judge Brinkema emphasized that the payment rendered the issue of damages moot, allowing the case to proceed without the need for a jury trial.
The DOJ had initially sought a jury trial to argue that damages should be calculated differently, but Google’s payment effectively negated this request. This allowed Google to simplify the litigation process and focus on defending itself against broader accusations of monopolistic practices in the digital advertising market. The case, which began earlier in the week, is expected to last another month. The DOJ accuses Google of using its dominance in the ad tech industry to stifle competition, crush rivals, and trap clients in its ecosystem, ultimately driving up prices.
Google has denied the allegations, arguing that the DOJ has overstated its power and that it competes fairly in the digital advertising space. If Judge Brinkema rules that Google is an illegal monopoly, the company could face significant consequences, including the potential for a breakup. The current trial is separate from another recent antitrust case where Judge Amit Mehta ruled that Google had illegally monopolized the search market.
A Google representative expressed satisfaction with Judge Brinkema’s ruling, stating, "We're glad the Court ruled that this case will be tried by a judge." This case represents a significant moment in ongoing efforts to regulate major tech companies and address concerns about monopolistic practices in the digital economy.