ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Nov 21, 2025 – A U.S. federal judge overseeing the Department of Justice’s (DOJ) antitrust case against Google has pressed for a rapid resolution, asking how quickly any court-mandated breakup of the tech giant’s advertising business could be implemented. “Time is of the essence,” Judge Leonie Brinkema emphasized on Friday during closing arguments in the high-profile case.

The ruling comes amid growing scrutiny of Big Tech monopolies, with Google largely evading previous bipartisan crackdowns on its dominance in search and digital advertising – a focus that began under President Donald Trump’s first term. However, the DOJ is seeking strong remedies in its ongoing litigation over Google’s ad tech dominance.

“The kind of request you are making most likely would not be as easily enforceable while an appeal is pending,” Judge Brinkema noted, highlighting that any delay caused by Google’s expected appeal could push the implementation of remedies years into the future.

Background: DOJ Case and Google’s Ad Tech Monopolies

In April, Judge Brinkema ruled that Google maintains two illegal monopolies in the online advertising sector. The case focuses on Google’s AdX platform, a real-time auction system where publishers pay Google a 20% fee to sell digital ads. The DOJ, joined by a coalition of states, is pushing for Google to sell its AdX business to restore competition in the digital advertising market.

DOJ attorney Matthew Huppert argued that only a forced divestiture could achieve a “brighter, more competitive future for the open web,” stating that the remedy must eradicate Google’s illegally acquired monopolies root and branch.

Conversely, Google’s legal team, led by Karen Dunn, contended that a breakup would be extreme and technically challenging, creating a prolonged and potentially disruptive transition for publishers and advertisers. Dunn argued that lawfully acquired monopoly power is central to the U.S. economy, citing a 2004 Supreme Court precedent.

Implications and Next Steps

Judge Brinkema noted that Google is in a “nearly impossible situation” because publishers and competing ad tech companies are relying on the ruling in several ongoing lawsuits seeking damages. Google is expected to appeal the ruling, which could delay the DOJ’s desired forced sale, but the judge’s questioning signals urgency in restoring competition in the online advertising sector.

The closing arguments on Friday marked the end of evidentiary hearings in the years-long legal battle. Following this, Google intends to pursue appeals. The outcome of this case could set critical precedents for antitrust enforcement against other Big Tech firms, including Amazon, Apple, and previously Meta Platforms, which recently faced FTC demands to sell Instagram and WhatsApp.

Why It Matters

• Google AdX breakup would dramatically alter the digital advertising landscape.
• DOJ seeks strong remedies to restore competitive balance in online ads.
• Appeals could delay enforcement, but Judge Brinkema is emphasizing urgency.
• The ruling is part of a broader U.S. effort to regulate Big Tech monopolies.
• Market observers and tech companies are closely monitoring implications for advertising fees, publisher revenue, and digital market competition.