In a significant development, Google will face a judge rather than a jury in its upcoming antitrust trial. This decision was handed down by U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema. The case centers on whether Google violated federal antitrust laws by monopolizing online advertising technology.
Judge to Decide Google’s Fate
The Justice Department initially sought a jury trial, hoping to secure monetary damages for federal agencies that allegedly overpaid for online ads due to Google’s actions. However, the amount in question was less than $750,000, far smaller than other potential remedies. These remedies could include forcing Google to sell parts of its advertising technology.
Google countered by paying over $2 million, three times the amount claimed by the government. This payment, Google argued, eliminated the need for a jury trial since it covered the maximum possible damages. Judge Brinkema agreed, ruling that the case would proceed without a jury.
Google Pays to Avoid Jury Trial
Google’s $2.3 million payment means Judge Brinkema will decide the case. This move avoided what could have been the first-ever jury trial in a civil antitrust case that the U.S. brought. Justice Department. Google maintained that it was not admitting liability by making the payment. The company described the case as a “meritless attempt to pick winners and losers in a competitive industry.”
The Justice Department and several states have accused Google of monopolizing digital advertising and overcharging users. They aim to break up Google’s digital advertising business to foster competition. However, Google’s payment has shifted the trial to a judge’s decision, bypassing the jury.
Google and Antitrust Law Defense
Google has consistently denied any wrongdoing. In its court papers, the company argued that the constitutional right to a jury trial does not apply to this civil suit brought by the government. The Justice Department disagreed but decided not to pursue a ruling on this constitutional question.
Judge Brinkema scheduled the non-jury trial for September 9. She will hear arguments and make a decision directly. This trial is separate from another case in Washington, D.C., where Google’s search engine is accused of being an illegal monopoly. A judge in that case has yet to issue a verdict.
Implications for Antitrust Law
This trial could set significant precedents in antitrust law, particularly in the tech industry. The outcome could impact how digital advertising markets operate and influence future antitrust actions against large tech companies. By choosing to settle the monetary damages and avoid a jury trial, Google has taken a strategic approach to managing this complex legal battle.
The decision to have a judge, rather than a jury, decide the case reflects the intricate nature of antitrust law. It highlights the challenges in quantifying damages in such cases and underscores the strategic maneuvers companies like Google employ to navigate legal disputes.
