Google Hit Hard by Judge in Monopoly Ruling

A federal judge delivered a major blow to Google, ruling that the tech giant illegally monopolized key components of the online advertising market, a decision that could force the company to dismantle parts of its digital advertising empire.

Quick Takes

Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining monopolistic control over publisher ad servers and ad exchanges
Google’s practice of tying its ad server (DFP) to its ad exchange (AdX) forced publishers to use Google’s tools, limiting competition
The ruling follows a 15-day trial and a lawsuit filed by the Justice Department and multiple state Attorneys General in January 2023
Attorney General Pamela Bondi called the victory “landmark” in stopping Google from monopolizing digital spaces
The judge will consider remedies that could include forcing Google to sell parts of its advertising technology business

Google’s Illegal Monopoly Confirmed

Judge Leonie Brinkema of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia has ruled that Google violated the Sherman Antitrust Act by illegally maintaining monopolies in online advertising technology. The decision, which comes after a 15-day trial that concluded in September 2024, specifically found Google guilty of monopolizing publisher ad server and ad exchange markets. The ruling represents a significant victory for the Department of Justice and several state Attorneys General who filed the lawsuit in January 2023, accusing Google of manipulating the digital advertising marketplace to eliminate competition.

The court determined that Google’s practice of bundling its publisher ad server (DFP) with its ad exchange (AdX) constituted illegal tying that forced publishers to use Google’s tools to access real-time bids. This practice effectively pushed competitors out of the market and prevented publishers from using alternative ad tech providers. While Judge Brinkema dismissed claims regarding advertiser tools, the court clearly established that Google’s actions in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets violated antitrust laws.

Trump Administration Celebrates Victory

The ruling represents a major win for President Trump’s Justice Department, which has prioritized addressing monopolistic practices in the tech sector. Attorney General Pamela Bondi emphasized the significance of the decision in curbing Google’s dominance of digital spaces. The case demonstrates the administration’s commitment to enforcing antitrust laws against powerful technology companies that limit competition and consumer choice in American markets.

“This is a landmark victory in the ongoing fight to stop Google from monopolizing the digital public square,” said Attorney General Pamela Bondi.

Assistant Attorney General Abigail Slater further emphasized Google’s abuse of its monopoly power, noting how the company had engaged in anticompetitive practices for over 15 years. These practices included strategic acquisitions and auction manipulation designed to neutralize or eliminate competitors in the ad tech market. The ruling confirms the Justice Department’s position that Google’s actions harmed publishers, advertisers, and ultimately consumers.

US Judge rules Google acted illegally in the big monopoly case https://t.co/lUzIeQ9Yie

— Barry Schwartz (@rustybrick) April 17, 2025

Harmful Market Practices and Consumer Impact

The court’s decision highlighted the extensive damage caused by Google’s monopolistic behavior in digital advertising. By controlling both publisher ad servers and ad exchanges, Google effectively forced websites to use its tools, severely limiting competition and stifling innovation in the industry. This restriction of market competition resulted in higher prices, fewer choices, and reduced quality of service for both publishers and consumers of digital content.

“In addition to depriving rivals of the ability to compete, this exclusionary conduct substantially harmed Google’s publisher customers, the competitive process, and, ultimately, consumers of information on the open web,” wrote Judge Brinkema in her ruling.

The ruling detailed how Google’s practices degraded service quality to maintain internal advantages. Publishers were required to use Google’s DFP to access real-time bids from AdX, restricting their ability to work with alternative ad tech providers. This forced bundling eliminated competitive opportunities for web publishers and coerced them into favoring Google’s advertising tools, even when better options might have been available from competitors.

Potential Remedies and Market Implications

Judge Brinkema will now consider appropriate remedies to address Google’s antitrust violations. These could include structural changes forcing Google to sell parts of its advertising technology business to restore competition to the market. The court’s decision on remedies will be closely watched by the tech industry and could reshape the digital advertising landscape that Google has dominated for years.

The case represents one of several legal challenges Google faces under antitrust laws. The ruling could have far-reaching implications for how digital advertising functions online and may provide a template for future antitrust enforcement against major technology companies. For publishers and advertisers who have long complained about Google’s control over the digital ad market, the decision offers hope for a more competitive and innovative marketplace in the future.