Google fights fees after losing constitutional challenge in ad competition case

The Google building is seen in New York, Feb. 26, 2024. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig, File)

Google is arguing it shouldn’t have to pay about $370,000 in legal fees and other costs the Competition Commissioner is seeking after the tech giant lost a constitutional challenge.

In a new filing made with the Competition Tribunal, Google says it should be spared from paying the money acting commissioner Jeanne Pratt requested because of the public interest element of this case.

In making its argument, Google pointed to a previous tribunal ruling which waived costs for Visa because it had advanced a novel argument that allowed gaps in laws and policies to be identified and fixed.

If the tribunal finds Google should have to pay fees, the company says they should be significantly reduced or lower than those awarded in other cases.

The Competition Bureau, however, says Google should have to pay the fees because they are reasonable, necessary and justified.

The battle over the expenses comes after the Competition Tribunal dismissed a constitutional challenge from Google, which has been accused by the bureau of causing harm through its hold on the online advertising world.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 24, 2025.

Tara Deschamps, The Canadian Press