Google sends DOJ surprise payment to prevent monopoly trial

Google recently sent a cashier’s check to the US government in an attempt to cover any potential damages that the government may seek during the upcoming adtech monopoly trial set to begin in September. This move by Google is seen as a way to avoid a jury trial and have a judge evaluate the complex facts of the case instead.

The exact amount of the check sent by Google was not disclosed, but it was mentioned that the US government’s estimate of damages was less than $1 million. Google argued that the payment of damages tripled, plus prejudgment interest, would prevent the need for a jury trial and streamline the litigation process.

While Google believes that the government’s damages claim is worth far less than the cost of litigation, the Justice Department is unlikely to back down from the fight, especially after joining 17 states in filing the antitrust lawsuit against Google last year. The government alleges that Google violated the Sherman Act by hindering competition in the open web display advertising technology markets for over a decade.

In response to Google’s attempt to avoid a jury trial, the Justice Department filed a motion opposing Google’s request for summary judgment, arguing that Google has held monopoly power for more than a decade and has controlled prices in the market. The government aims to convince the court to force Google to sell its ad management suite to prevent further consolidation of control over digital advertising technologies.

Overall, Google’s move to send a check to cover potential damages is seen as an attempt to prevent a jury trial and have a judge evaluate the complexities of the case. The Justice Department is determined to hold Google accountable for alleged antitrust violations and ensure competition in the digital advertising markets. The outcome of this legal battle will have significant implications for the tech industry and the open internet.

Article Source
https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2024/05/google-sends-doj-unexpected-check-in-attempt-to-avoid-monopoly-jury-trial/