In a landmark ruling, Judge Amit Mehta of the US District Court for the District of Columbia has determined that Google violated US antitrust law through its search business practices.

The court found that Google maintained its monopoly primarily through default distribution agreements. The company secured exclusive contracts with browser developers, mobile device manufacturers, and wireless carriers, paying substantial sums to ensure Google remained the preset search engine across key access points.

Judge Mehta specifically noted: "Google is a monopolist, and it has acted as one to maintain its monopoly," declaring the company in violation of Section 2 of the Sherman Act. The ruling highlights how Google's arrangements, particularly with Apple, have created an anticompetitive environment in the search market.

This verdict differs from the separate 2023 Biden administration lawsuit regarding Google's advertising technology business. However, it represents the most significant federal tech antitrust ruling since the Microsoft case 25 years ago.

The implications of this decision are substantial:

• A separate proceeding will determine specific penalties
• Google is expected to face monetary fines
• The company will likely appeal the decision
• Final resolution could take months or years

This ruling follows a December federal jury decision in California that found Google's app store operations to be an illegal monopoly, marking a series of significant legal challenges to the tech giant's business practices.

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