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Google Appeals Landmark Search Monopoly Ruling, Delays Changes
18 Jan
Summary
- Google is appealing a recent antitrust decision on search and ad monopolies.
- The appeal is expected to delay mandated changes to Google's business practices.
- The case involves Google's default search engine deals with Apple and Samsung.
Alphabet Inc.'s Google is formally appealing a significant antitrust ruling that declared the company’s dominance in online search and advertising illegal. This expected legal maneuver aims to delay the implementation of mandated changes to Google's long-standing business practices.
The appeal notice was filed in Washington federal court, accompanied by a request to suspend the lower court's ruling while the appellate process unfolds. The DC Circuit Court of Appeals, which often handles government-related appeals, is slated to hear the case later in 2026. Statistics from the US Courts indicate that this court typically takes about a year to render a decision following the filing of an appeal.
US District Judge Amit Mehta initially ruled in August 2026 that Google unlawfully monopolized the search market through exclusive contracts with Apple and Samsung, requiring their search engine as the default. Despite these findings, Mehta rejected the Justice Department's request to sell Google's Chrome browser, instead mandating that such deals be rebid annually to foster competition.
