Attorneys arrive at court for Google’s trial over online advertising

Attorneys arrived at a federal courthouse in Alexandria, Virginia on Monday for the start of proceedings in which the Justice Department will seek to show the Alphabet’s Google stifled competition in online advertising technology.

Prosecutors say Google has largely dominated the technological infrastructure that funds the flow of news and information on websites through more than 150 000 online ad sales every second.

Prosecutors also say Google engaged in a complex scheme to dominate website advertising tools, through acquisitions, restrictions on how customers can use its tools and alleged manipulation of ad auctions.

Google denies the allegations, saying they misconstrue lawful efforts to develop its technology and serve its own customers. Prosecutors overlook how the digital advertising market has shifted to apps and connected TV, where Google faces stiff competition, the company has said.

Google’s defense team is led by Karen Dunn, a partner at the law firm Paul, Weiss, who has guided debate preparations for several prominent Democrats including Vice President Kamala Harris.

The government’s legal team is headed by Julia Tarver Wood, a veteran trial lawyer who joined the Justice Department last year. She previously worked at Paul, Weiss where she represented companies including insurer American International Group, Mastercard and Amazon.com.

Source: SABC

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