Federal Court Rules Against Google in Landmark Antitrust Case

The court’s findings indicate that Google is a monopolist in the relevant markets and has unlawfully used its dominant position to sustain its monopoly.

A sign in front of a Google office in San Francisco on April 26, 2022. Justin Sullivan/Getty Images

In a landmark legal decision, a federal judge ruled that Google violated antitrust laws by maintaining its monopoly power in the markets for general search services and general search text advertisements.

The ruling, issued on Aug. 5 by District Judge Amit Mehta, concludes a lengthy legal battle initiated by the U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of state attorneys general.