Google Appeals Court Ruling on Search Monopoly Case

Google is urging a federal appellate court to overturn a ruling that found the company illegally monopolized the search engine market by securing default placements on Apple, Mozilla, and Android devices. In recent filings, Google argues that Apple and Mozilla chose its search engine because it was the best option for consumers, citing superior technology, better monetization, and top engineering talent. The company maintains that competition on merit should not violate antitrust laws.

The case began in 2020 when the U.S. Department of Justice and a coalition of states accused Google of violating anti-monopoly laws. U.S. District Court Judge Amit Mehta ruled against Google in August 2024, concluding that the company unlawfully maintained a monopoly in general search services and search text ads. In September 2025, Mehta issued a remedies order requiring Google to share user search data with competitors and prohibiting exclusive distribution contracts for six years.

Google and antitrust enforcers have both appealed the ruling. Google argues that the case should have been dismissed, while the authorities claim Mehta should have banned Google from paying Apple and other companies to distribute its search engine. Google counters that prohibiting such payments would either increase its profits or force companies to use inferior search engines, neither of which promotes competition.

The appellate court has not yet scheduled oral arguments. Google is emphasizing Mehta’s reasoning that banning payments to distributors would not serve consumers or foster competition.