Google and the Department of Justice are delivering their closing arguments today and tomorrow in the government’s historic antitrust lawsuit against the company that controls a worldwide search monopoly.

Rewind. The 10-week, high-stakes legal showdown examined Google Search’s business practices last fall.

• Get up to speed on all the issues in U.S. vs. Google antitrust trial: Everything you need to know.

Why we care: The decision in this case could permanently alter how Google functions, with ripple effects on search marketers. The verdict might result in a more balanced advertising landscape, potentially lowering costs and expanding options.

What to watch: The DOJ will present its key accusations against Google on Thursday and Friday. The allegations center around three main claims:

• Google entered into profitable agreements with partners like Apple to maintain its position as the default search engine across devices and platforms.
• Google spent billions each year to secure these default placements – $26 billion in 2021. (This includes $20 billion specifically to remain the default on Apple’s Safari browser, according to recently released court documents.)
• Google unable to explain why it spends so much beyond suppressing competition

The other side: Google denied all charges of anticompetitive behavior, stating that users favor its superior search technology and that its market position stems from quality, not monopolistic strategies.

• “We are working very, very hard; for any given query we provide the best experience,” CEO Sundar Pichai stated. “That’s always been our true north.”

Bottom line: This pivotal case poses serious threats to Google’s primary search business if the DOJ wins.

What’s next: Following the closing statements, Judge Amit Mehta will consider the liability issue before him. One possible (but improbable) consequence could be the breakup of Google, which would be decided at a later date should he rule against the company.

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