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Apple Inc. has filed an emergency motion urging a Washington, D.C., federal court to pause the high-stakes antitrust case targeting Google's search dominance. The request comes as Apple appeals a decision barring it from participating in the upcoming remedies trial, which could reshape the digital search landscape.

Apple Challenges Exclusion from Trial

In its Thursday filing, Apple asked the court to stay proceedings while it seeks to overturn a ruling that denied its request to intervene in the case. The dispute centers on a multibillion-dollar revenue-sharing deal between Apple and Google, which makes Google the default search engine on Apple’s Safari browser—a partnership generating more than $20 billion annually for Apple.

According to Apple, the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) and state enforcers are not only challenging the existing agreement but also seeking to prohibit any commercial arrangement between the two companies for the next decade.

"If Apple's appeal is not resolved until during or after the remedies trial, Apple may well be forced to stand mute at trial, as a mere spectator, while the government pursues an extreme remedy that targets Apple by name," Apple stated in its motion. The company argues that it must be allowed to defend its ability to negotiate future agreements that benefit both Apple users and its business interests.

Google’s Monopoly and Proposed Remedies

The request to intervene would grant Apple the ability to question witnesses and present arguments during the scheduled April trial, which will determine what penalties should be imposed after U.S. District Judge Amit P. Mehta ruled that Google violated antitrust laws.

In August, Judge Mehta found that Google unlawfully maintained its dominance in general search services and search advertising by paying billions to remain the default search engine on devices from Apple, Samsung, and other manufacturers. As a remedy, the DOJ has proposed breaking up Google's business, including a potential forced sale of its Chrome browser. Additionally, the government seeks to prohibit Google from offering financial incentives to other companies in exchange for search engine default status.

However, on Wednesday, Judge Mehta denied Apple's intervention bid, citing its timing. He noted that the case has been ongoing since 2020, and the DOJ first proposed potential remedies last October. Allowing Apple to intervene now, he warned, could open the door for other companies to make similar requests.

Apple Argues for Stay, Citing Business Harm

Apple maintains that its motion was timely, asserting that it only became apparent recently that its interests were not being sufficiently represented in the case. The company contends that it faces irreparable harm if it is not allowed to participate, as the case directly impacts its "freedom to contract" and "undisputed property rights."

Moreover, Apple argues that its involvement would serve the public interest by providing key insights into how the proposed remedies could impact competition in the search market. Only Apple, the motion claims, can offer a firsthand perspective on why certain remedies may be "unworkable."

Although Judge Mehta denied Apple's request to intervene fully, he did allow the company to file a post-trial amicus submission and submit a limited number of fact witness affidavits. However, Apple claims in its Thursday motion that enforcers are now seeking to challenge those affidavits as inadmissible hearsay.

"Thus, notwithstanding this court's recognition that Apple's limited participation in the remedies phase is warranted, plaintiffs appear intent on preventing the court from considering even that limited evidence," Apple’s motion states. The company argues that moving forward without its full participation could create procedural chaos.

Next Steps in the Legal Battle

Apple has signaled that it will ask the D.C. Circuit to issue a stay once its appeal is officially docketed. If granted, the stay could delay the remedies phase of the case while Apple fights for a greater role in the proceedings.

Representatives for Google and the DOJ declined to comment on the matter. Apple has yet to issue an official response.