Google ad tech case: Judge questions delay risk as DOJ pushes for breakup

Google

A U.S. federal judge has sought clear answers from the Department of Justice (DOJ) on how quickly its proposed breakup of Google’s advertising technology business could be implemented, signaling urgency as the long-running antitrust case reaches a decisive stage. According to Reuters report, the exchange took place during closing arguments in Alexandria, Virginia, where the DOJ is pushing for structural remedies to address what it calls Google’s illegal dominance in the ad tech market.

Judge raises concerns about delay from expected appeal

U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema noted that Google is almost certain to appeal her earlier ruling, which found the company guilty of maintaining two unlawful monopolies in digital advertising technology. She highlighted that any forced divestiture could be delayed for years if the case moves through the appeals process.

Brinkema warned that the nature of the government’s request may make it difficult to enforce while appeals are pending. She also pointed out that her finding of liability has already prompted publishers and rival ad tech companies to file new lawsuits seeking damages, adding pressure on Google and complicating the broader litigation landscape.

DOJ argues only a sale can restore competition

The DOJ, along with a coalition of states, has asked the court to order Google to sell its ad exchange, AdX. The government says the platform gives Google a structural advantage by charging publishers around 20% for ads sold through real-time auctions whenever a webpage is loaded.

DOJ attorney Matthew Huppert said that breaking up the ad tech business is the only path toward a “more competitive future for the open web,” arguing that the remedy must dismantle the monopolies “root and branch.”

Google’s attorney Karen Dunn pushed back, arguing that a forced sale would be an extreme and disruptive measure. She said Google’s market position reflects legitimate business success, not illegal conduct, and warned that a breakup would involve a long, complex transition that could hurt both advertisers and publishers.

With hearings concluded, the court will now consider a remedy order, while Google prepares an appeal that could shape the outcome for years to come.