Tech giant Apple has filed an emergency motion to join the Justice Department’s search monopolization case against Google, seeking to avoid potentially losing its lucrative default search deal. The remedies phase of the trial is set to begin in April, with US District Court Judge Amit Mehta having already found Google liable for illegal monopolization.
Despite not being a formal party in the case, Apple has played a significant role in shaping the proceedings through billions of dollars paid to Google annually for default placement on iOS. However, when Apple initially requested a limited role in the remedies phase, Mehta denied it, saying Apple needed to file post-hearing briefs explaining its views.
Now, Apple argues that it needs to participate in the case due to concerns about its interests being sufficiently represented by Google. The company claims that the government’s proposals to end lucrative deals like its default positioning arrangement with Google “implicates concerns unique to Apple.” If Apple is not involved, it fears that Google will prioritize certain arguments over others and leave Apple without adequate representation.
Apple hopes to gain access to discovery and depositions as a non-party if Mehta doesn’t grant the stay pending appeal. The company emphasizes that it would provide crucial evidence, including information on how the DOJ’s proposals to eliminate Google’s monopoly power would impact its business and users.
Source: https://www.theverge.com/news/603998/apple-google-search-remedies-monopoly-trial-stay-request