“PubMatic is seeking financial damages and a level playing field, alleging that Google’s anticompetitive behavior has stifled competition.”
PubMatic, a digital advertising technology company, has filed a lawsuit against Google, accusing the tech giant of monopolistic behaviour in the ad tech market. The suit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia, seeks financial damages and aims to “restore fair competition”.
This legal action follows a ruling in April 2025 where the same court found that Google had “willfully engaged in a series of anticompetitive acts to acquire and maintain monopoly power” in the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets. PubMatic’s complaint alleges that Google’s actions have directly harmed its business, impeding its potential for market share and revenue growth.
Rajeev Goel, PubMatic’s co-founder and CEO, stated, “Google’s systematic abuse of its vast resources and immense power has harmed our business and distorted a marketplace that should have rewarded innovation and fueled transparency and competition.” He added that these practices have limited monetization for publishers, increased costs for advertisers, and reduced consumer choice.
The lawsuit is the second of its kind from a sell-side platform, following a similar case brought by OpenX in August. It comes as the remedy phase of the Department of Justice’s antitrust trial against Google’s ad tech business is set to begin. The DOJ has advocated for the divestiture of certain Google ad tech assets.
In response to the allegations, a Google spokesperson has previously stated, “These allegations are meritless. Advertisers and publishers have many choices and when they choose Google’s ad tech tools it’s because they are effective, affordable and easy to use.”
PubMatic, founded in 2006, positions itself as an independent alternative in the digital advertising supply chain. The company is being represented by law firm Hueston Hennigan LLP.
Topics Covered in this Article: Legal
Companies and Products Mentioned in this Article: PubMatic, Google, OpenX, AdMeld, Hueston Hennigan LLP
