A U.S. federal judge has allowed a consumer lawsuit against Google to move forward, rejecting the company’s request to dismiss claims that it illegally used agreements with major tech companies to block rivals in online search.
The class action, filed in 2025, alleges that Google paid device makers, carriers, and browser developers to set Google as the default search engine on phones and apps. Plaintiffs argue these deals limited consumer choice and prevented competitors from offering search engines with fewer ads, stronger privacy, or rewards for users.
Judge Rita Lin of the Northern District of California ruled that the plaintiffs presented enough evidence to proceed on core antitrust claims under the Sherman Act. However, claims related to Google’s actions before 2017 were dismissed, though plaintiffs may attempt to reassert them.
Google denied any wrongdoing, arguing that competitors could not realistically provide better privacy or financial incentives. The court noted examples of smaller search engines offering rewards or ad-free options and found it plausible that Google’s agreements limited their ability to compete.
The ruling also clarified that ongoing agreements after 2016 fall within the statute of limitations, allowing claims tied to continuing anti-competitive behavior. Claims based on fraudulent concealment were dismissed due to insufficient evidence of affirmative concealment acts.
The case, Attridge et al. v. Google LLC, highlights growing scrutiny of Google’s search practices and the challenges for consumers seeking alternatives in a market dominated by a single company.
Plaintiffs are represented by David Boies and Mark Mao of Boies Schiller Flexner, while Google’s legal team includes Sonal Mehta and David Gringer of Wilmer Cutler Pickering Hale and Dorr.