Google was previously found to be paying Apple a whopping $20 billion sum to keep its search engine default on the company’s various devices. This move would naturally stifle competition, with even Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella stating that this partnership prevented rivals from competing on an even playing field. Now, the Cupertino giant attempted to intervene as a defendant in this multi-billion-dollar alliance, but according to the latest report, the judge denied this request, saying that Apple submitted its application much too late.
To help defend its stance on Google paying the $20 billion sum, Apple would present three additional witnesses, but its request would be denied by the judge
Based on U.S. District Judge Amit Mehta’s remarks, the Courthouse News Service reports that Apple knew very well that it would result in a delay if the company would take two and a half months to defend Google’s $20 billion deal. The California-based giant submitted a request where it would present an additional three witnesses to play the role of the defendant. As you can guess, the judge was not buying it.
“Apple knew (or should have known) that waiting two-and-a-half months to intervene in a proceeding scheduled to last just eight months altogether would constitute a significant delay.”
Apple’s request was filed on December 23, which was just before Christmas, with Mehta stated that there would an obvious delay caused by additional testimony. Apple argued that its intervention was necessary to ensure Mehta had a complete record necessary to ‘issue a fair and effective remedial decree.’
The report also mentions that if the judge had granted Apple’s request, it would open up ‘flood gates’ to other companies who benefit from Google’s search engine distribution agreements, causing both the Mountain View behemoth and the Department of Justice to experience extreme prejudice. Fortunately, the judge will allow Apple to act as an amicus curiae and file post-hearing submissions in the coming months to ‘ensure consideration of Apple’s views when crafting the remedial decree.’
Apple will likely take advantage of this little breathing room, as it would not be prudent to leave billions on the table. The company’s Senior Vice President of Services, Eddy Cue, previously mentioned that there was no alternative to Google Search, indirectly confirming that the partnership between the two will continue as long as it needs to.
News Source: Courthouse News Service