Google files document production demand against one of its biggest public critics. As part of its ongoing federal antitrust case, US vs. Google, Google, late Monday night filed for a court order to produce documents from its longtime critic Luther Lowe.
Google Files Document Production Demand against One of Its Biggest Public Critics
The filed motion arose from a breakdown in negotiations between Lowes employer, yelp, and Google. However, yelp has agreed to document production from some of its employees. But it has resisted particularly on Lowe. With this, Google has been left to ask the court for a subpoena that would make email archives and other relevant documents available.
Yelps Position with the Subpoena
Of course, yelp cannot deny Google the documents needed to defend itself. The filing made by Google reads “yelps allegations against Google conceived and advanced by Mr. Lowe, are a central part of the government’s case.
Now that the very governmental action yelp advocated for in its communications is underway, yelp cannot deny Google the documents its needs to defend itself. The case filing consists of 51 pages and just like many antitrust cases contains a lot of redactions.
Yelp and Lowes Continued Public Criticism of Google
Lowe who is the vice president of public policy at yelp has been a prominent voice leading the push for the antitrust action against Google. He even launched an email newsletter named “this week in Google antitrust”. The aim of this newsletter is to garner support for actions against Google.
Lowe normally focuses on search neutrality cases against Google in public statements. He alleges that the search giants use the power of the Google search engine to overwhelm and co-opt subject-matter directories like yelp.
Is This the Frist Time Google Files an Antitrust Proceeding
Of course, this is not the first time Google will be using the antitrust proceedings to compel document production from its rivals. The company previously July pushed for significant new document production from Microsoft. This was after the company, Google, shared hundreds of thousands of documents with prosecutors in advance of the filing of the case. On a request to comment on the matter, neither Google nor Lowe has responded. And when they do, this post will be updated regarding proceedings with the case.
Why Google Filed the Document Demand against Lowe
Of course, Google would need everything including documents to help defend them against Lowe. But according to reports, the lawsuit was filed due to the fact that there was a breakdown in negotiations between Google and yelp. Many of Yelp’s employees have consented to produce required pieces of information, but Lowe in particular has refused to do the same. This however prompted Google to approach the court for a subpoena.
