In August 2024, Google was legally declared a search and advertising monopoly. A remedy trial is scheduled to determine how Google will address this. Apple is seeking a significant role in the process, given its reliance on Google as the iPhone’s default search engine.
However, Judge Amit Mehta recently denied Apple’s motion for an emergency stay of the remedy trial. This ruling came just 24 hours after Apple filed its motion, following Judge Mehta’s earlier refusal to grant Apple full participatory rights.
The judge stated that Apple’s motion failed to meet the “stringent requirements” for a stay. Apple hadn’t demonstrated a significant difference between its proposed remedy and Google’s, nor had it shown the irreparable harm it might suffer. He also cited public interest and potential damage to existing parties as weighing heavily against a stay.
While it’s unclear whether Apple can appeal this ruling, the company is expected to act quickly, as Judge Mehta aims to conclude the remedy trial by August 2025. A key issue in the trial is likely to be the $20 billion annual deal that makes Google the default iPhone search engine.
Apple’s eagerness to participate stems from this lucrative partnership. The company’s initial request for participation, filed in December 2024, came about four months after the initial monopoly ruling. Judge Mehta argues that Apple should have been aware of the case’s potential impact on its business from the outset (2020). Apple disputes this timeline, claiming it requested participation immediately after the original ruling.
Despite being initially offered the opportunity to submit briefs, Apple filed the motion for a stay, citing the Department of Justice’s potential objection to even this limited involvement.
Following the denial of its motion, Apple is proceeding with a similar motion filed simultaneously with the DC Circuit. This motion, intended to overturn Judge Mehta’s decision, is now active. However, the timing of the DC Circuit’s ruling remains uncertain.
