Federal court rules Google’s ad network illegal monopoly

The U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia ruled that Google acquired monopoly power in digital advertising markets in violation of the Sherman Act.

Judge Leonie M. Brinkema authored the 115-page ruling in United States of America v. Google. The court’s decision stemmed from a 2023 lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice and 17 state attorneys general, including Virginia.

“Google’s conduct undermined competition and innovation in ad tech, which is fundamental to the vibrant internet we rely on in a free and open society,” Virginia Attorney General Jason Miyares said in an April 17 press release. “[The] ruling is a resounding victory for free markets, free competition, and the rule of law. No company — no matter how big or powerful — is above the law.”

Brinkema wrote that Google tied its publisher ad server and ad exchange together through contractual policies for more than a decade. That strategy enabled the company to create and protect a monopoly in those markets. Google imposed anticompetitive policies on its customers, such as eliminating desirable product features, Brinkema said.

The suit also alleged Google monopolized three digital advertising technology markets and tied its products in those markets together in violation of the Sherman Act.
The decision comes eight months after a federal court held in a separate case that Google’s search engine held a monopoly in the internet search area.

The district court will schedule further hearings on potential remedies in the coming months, Miyares’ office said.