Silver State Times

Carson City, NV – Attorney General Aaron D. Ford announced a significant court victory in the antitrust case against Google. This legal action was part of a broader coalition of attorneys general connected to a lawsuit filed by the U.S. Department of Justice, targeting Google's anti-competitive practices.

“Every company, no matter its size or influence in the market, must abide by our antitrust laws,” said AG Ford. “These laws are put in place in the best interest of our economy and consumers. Today’s decision goes a step further to expand consumer search experiences and creates a pathway for Google’s competitors to succeed.”

The U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia determined that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act in two product markets: general search services and general text advertising. The court found that Google maintained a monopoly through exclusive distribution agreements with major tech companies such as Apple and Samsung.

Additionally, the court ruled that these distribution agreements with other tech companies were exclusive and had anticompetitive effects.

In 2023, Nevada joined a bipartisan coalition of 52 attorneys general in suing Google over its conduct related to the Google Play Store. A settlement was reached, resulting in nearly $800,000 in restitution for Nevada.