Google Seeks Dismissal of Publisher Lawsuit Over AI Search Summaries
Google and Alphabet have filed a motion to dismiss Penske Media Corporation’s antitrust lawsuit, arguing that AI-generated summaries in Google Search are lawful product enhancements, not anticompetitive conduct. Penske, owner of publications like Rolling Stone and Variety, accuses Google of coercing publishers to provide content for AI training in exchange for search visibility, claiming features like AI Overviews divert web traffic and harm revenue. Google counters that publishers can opt out of content indexing, and competing search engines also use AI features, disputing Penske’s definition of the relevant market. The legal team representing Penske previously lost similar cases with other clients. Legal experts note the case highlights publishers’ economic concerns over AI integration, but faces significant legal hurdles. If Google’s motion succeeds, related copyright or licensing claims might proceed; if denied, broader antitrust scrutiny of Google’s use of AI in search is likely. Google is concurrently contesting separate antitrust actions involving its search and advertising businesses, with key remedies or appeals still pending.
