Google Faces September Trial on Ad Tech Antitrust Remedies

Google is set to face a federal trial on September 22, 2025, in Alexandria, Virginia, as the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) seeks remedies for the company's monopolistic practices in digital advertising. The DOJ aims to compel Google to divest its publisher ad server and ad exchange businesses to restore competition in the online advertising market. 

Details:

• Background:
  In April 2025, U.S. District Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled that Google had unlawfully monopolized the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets, violating Sections 1 and 2 of the Sherman Antitrust Act. The court found that Google's conduct harmed publishers and consumers by stifling competition. 

• DOJ's Proposed Remedies:
  The DOJ is pushing for structural remedies, including the divestiture of Google's ad exchange and publisher ad server businesses. The agency argues that behavioral remedies are insufficient to address the anticompetitive harm and that only a breakup can restore a competitive market.

• Google's Position:
  Google opposes the proposed breakup, contending that such a move is unlawful and would harm the digital advertising ecosystem. The company argues that its ad tech tools provide significant value to publishers and advertisers and that divestiture would disrupt the industry's efficiency.

• Upcoming Trial:
  The trial will focus on determining the appropriate remedies for Google's antitrust violations. Judge Brinkema will consider arguments from both sides to decide whether structural changes, such as divestiture, are necessary to restore competition in the digital advertising market.