WASHINGTON, D.C. – November 21, 2025 – Alphabet Inc.’s Google is making its final plea in U.S. court to avoid a forced breakup of its advertising technology business, as the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) high-profile antitrust trial reaches its conclusion.

The legal battle has centered on Google’s dominance in online advertising and search, part of a broader bipartisan crackdown on Big Tech monopolies initiated during the first term of former President Donald Trump. While Google has largely avoided severe penalties in previous cases, the outcome of this trial could significantly reshape its digital ad operations.

Judge Brinkema’s Findings

U.S. District Court Judge Leonie Brinkema ruled in April that Google holds two illegal ad tech monopolies. She is now deliberating on the remedies necessary to restore competition in the online advertising market. The DOJ, together with a coalition of states, has urged Brinkema to order Google to sell its Ad Exchange (AdX). AdX allows online publishers to sell advertising space through automated auctions, with Google charging a 20% fee, which the DOJ argues suppresses competition.

During the 11-day trial that began in September, DOJ attorneys argued that a forced sale of AdX is the only effective measure to prevent Google from continuing practices that stifle competition. Google countered, asserting that a breakup would be technically complex and result in a lengthy, disruptive transition that could harm publishers and advertisers alike.

Implications for Big Tech

The trial marks the culmination of a years-long fight between Google and the U.S. government over online advertising dominance. After Friday’s closing arguments, the case is expected to move into the appeals process, which could take several years. Google has already stated its intention to appeal Judge Brinkema’s monopoly ruling, as well as a separate Washington-based ruling that found the company holds illegal monopolies in online search and related advertising.

In the previous ruling, Google avoided a forced sale of its Chrome browser, but was ordered to share certain data with competitors, signaling ongoing regulatory scrutiny.

The U.S. still has pending antitrust cases against other Big Tech companies, including Meta Platforms, Amazon, and Apple, highlighting the government’s sustained focus on market dominance and consumer protection in the digital economy.

Broader Market and Regulatory Context

Analysts note that the trial could have wide-reaching consequences for digital advertising, search engine operations, and data privacy practices. If Google is forced to divest parts of its ad tech infrastructure, it could reshape the online ad ecosystem, creating opportunities for competitors while potentially reducing Google’s revenue streams.

Regulators and industry experts continue to monitor the case closely, as it may set precedents for how the U.S. addresses monopolistic practices in technology markets, particularly for companies that operate across multiple digital sectors.