Judge tells Apple it's too late to intervene over Google monopoly case
Judge tells Apple it's too late to intervene over Google monopoly case
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Google is the default search engine on iPhone because it pays to be. Google has been found in court to be a monopoly, but there is to be a trial to plan how to remedy the situation, and the judge has now refused to accept Apple intervening, saying it waited too long.
The US Department of Justice's (DOJ) antitrust lawsuit against Alphabet, the parent company of Google, reached a key point in August 2024. Judge Amit Metha ruled that Google is a search and advertising monopoly, and is in breach of Section 2 of the Sherman Act.
Following this, the trial continued, and it is shortly to be followed by what's called a remedy trial. According to Courthouse News, Apple filed a motion to defend its "property interest" over its contract worth billions of dollars with Google over search on the iPhone — and it's been dismissed.
Apple reportedly requested permission to file a motion on December 23, 2024. However, Judge Mehta said that Apple should have known from the outset in 2020 that the case could "directly affect its contractual rights.". "Apple knew (or should have known) that waiting two-and-a-half months to intervene in a proceeding scheduled to last just eight months altogether would constitute a significant delay," he continued.
"Because Apple's motion is untimely, the court must deny it," wrote Judge Mehta in his full ruling. "The court, however, will permit Apple to participate as amicus curiae and file post-hearing submissions to ensure consideration of Apple's views when crafting the remedial decree.".
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