Apple's Attempt to Intervene in Google Search Antitrust Trial Rejected
Apple will not have any influence over the agreements related to Google Search.
A U.S. District Court judge has denied Apple's request to halt the trial regarding Google's monopoly related to the company's search engine. This decision, made by Judge Amit Mehta, comes in a context where the value of Apple's access to Google's practices is questioned, estimated at around $18 billion annually.
Apple argued that its involvement in the case was crucial to maintaining its ability to negotiate agreements that benefited its users, as well as to seek compensation for the distribution of Google's search engine. However, Judge Mehta found that Apple did not present sufficient reasons to justify its request for a stay, which had been filed on January 30.
The trial is currently in its remedial phase, scheduled for April, where the Department of Justice has suggested that Google should be required to divest its Chrome browser and, if necessary, spin off Android. Although Google intends to appeal the decision, its proposals focus on undoing licensing agreements that bundle applications and services.
In his ruling, Judge Mehta stated that Apple did not meet the "stringent requirements" necessary to obtain the type of stay requested, noting that there was no clear basis demonstrating immediate and significant harm to the company. This is particularly relevant as Google was found liable for maintaining an illegal monopoly in general search, and the implications of the trial could lead to a reorganization of its operations.
