In a significant legal move, Yelp has filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging a search engine monopoly promoting its own reviews. This follows a recent antitrust ruling finding Google guilty of monopolistic practices in its search engine operations. Yelp argues the dominance of Google is stifling competition and limiting consumer choice.
Yelp claims Google unfairly promotes its own local search services over those of competitors, including Yelp. This practice, according to Yelp, has significantly decreased traffic to its site, harming both its business and the businesses relying on Yelp for visibility. Yelp is seeking damages, tripled under the Clayton Act, a U.S. law designed to strengthen antitrust enforcement.
The lawsuit of Yelp highlights how practices of Google have evolved over the years. Initially, Google relied on external sources like Yelp for local search results but later began prioritizing its own reviews and listings. Yelp alleges this behavior violates antitrust laws by creating an uneven playing field in the local search market.
The lawsuit of Yelp comes after a federal judge ruled Google illegally monopolized the search market through exclusive deals. This decision may encourage more companies to take legal action against Google, potentially reshaping how local search services are delivered and accessed by consumers. In light of the ruling, Yelp is seeking monetary damages and an injunction to stop Google from continuing its anticompetitive practices.
As the case progresses, it will be closely watched by industry stakeholders, regulators, and the public. The outcome could significantly impact the local SEO search landscape and influence how tech companies operate in markets held significant power in.