A federal judge ruled that Google unlawfully dominated two major online advertising markets, marking a significant setback for the tech giant in a U.S. antitrust case. U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema found Google monopolized the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets but not advertiser ad networks. The ruling could bolster efforts by the Department of Justice (DOJ) to force a breakup of Google’s advertising empire, including a potential sale of Google Ad Manager.
Google now faces the possibility of separate court-ordered divestitures, with another trial set next week in Washington over its search and browser dominance. The DOJ and state prosecutors argued Google used acquisitions, customer lock-ins, and market control to build its monopoly. Google contended the claims are outdated and ignore competition from companies like Amazon and Comcast. The decision follows a three-week trial held last year in Virginia.
