Google was found to be a monopolist that abused its dominant position.
The company’s paid default agreements with device makers and browsers foreclosed about 50% of the search market from rivals.
Google’s conduct had anticompetitive effects, including reducing incentives for competitors to innovate.
Aaron Schur, Yelp’s General Counsel, says in a statement provided to Search Engine Journal:
“Judge Amit Mehta’s recent ruling in the government’s antitrust case against Google, finding Google illegally maintained its monopoly in general search, is a watershed moment in antitrust law, and provides a strong foundation for Yelp’s case against Google.”
Potential Remedies
While specific remedies will be shaped by the discovery process, Yelp has pointed to the “Focus on the User” plan as one potential solution.
This proposal suggests modifying Google’s search algorithm to surface the best content from across the internet, rather than favoring Google’s own properties.
Looking Ahead
This lawsuit represents the latest chapter in the debate over Google’s search market dominance.
Google hasn’t responded to the lawsuit. The company has previously defended its practices as beneficial to users and argued that it faces genuine competition in local search.
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