Alphabet (GOOGL) Stock: Tech Giant Fights Back Against Search Monopoly Finding

TLDR

• Google filed an appeal Friday against the federal court ruling that found the company held an illegal monopoly in internet search and search advertising.
• The appeal will likely delay implementation of court-ordered remedies while the DC Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case, a process that typically takes about a year.
• Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google illegally monopolized search through exclusive default search engine deals with Apple and Samsung, worth over $20 billion annually.
• In September 2025, Mehta rejected the Justice Department’s request to force the sale of Chrome browser but required Google’s default search deals to be rebid annually.
• Google’s stock has jumped 56% since the September remedy decision, as investors view the lighter-than-expected penalties favorably and see the company gaining ground in artificial intelligence.

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Google filed notice of appeal Friday in Washington federal court, challenging the landmark ruling that found the company maintains an illegal monopoly in internet search. The move was expected and will push any required business changes further down the road.

Alphabet Inc., GOOGL

The DC Circuit Court of Appeals will likely hear the case later in 2026. Based on court statistics, a decision typically comes about a year after an appeal notice is filed.

Google also requested the lower court ruling be put on hold during the appeal process. This would pause implementation of the remedies Judge Amit Mehta ordered in December.

The original case started in 2020 during the first Trump administration. The trial took place in fall 2023.

US District Judge Amit Mehta ruled in August 2024 that Google violated Section 2 of the Sherman Act. He found the company illegally monopolized search through exclusive contracts with Apple and Samsung.

Google pays more than $20 billion each year for these deals. The agreements make Google the default search engine on smartphones and block competitors from key distribution channels.

Remedies Lighter Than Expected

A second trial in spring 2025 focused on potential remedies. The Justice Department pushed for Google to sell its Chrome browser.

Mehta rejected that request in September 2025. Instead, he allowed Google to continue paying for default search placement.

The judge did impose some restrictions. Google’s default search deals must now be rebid every year. This gives rivals more chances to compete for those spots.

Mehta also required Google to share some raw search interaction data used for training ranking and AI systems. The company doesn’t have to share its actual algorithms.

Google cannot enter deals like its previous Apple search agreement unless they terminate within one year.

Stock Reaction and Company Response

Markets responded positively to the remedy decision. Google’s stock has climbed 56% since September as investors see the penalties as manageable.

The stock gains also reflect investor confidence in Google’s artificial intelligence developments. Analysts viewed the remedies as lighter than feared.

Mulholland argued the decision failed to account for rapid innovation and intense competition. She said the mandates would risk Americans’ privacy and discourage competitors from building their own products.

Google is requesting a pause on implementing the remedies during the appeal. The company maintains the requirements would stifle innovation and harm US technology leadership.

The remedies trial last spring included witnesses from Apple and Mozilla. Competitors from OpenAI and other companies also testified.

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