Equativ files lawsuit against Google in pursuit of more open and competitive digital advertising markets

The filing is part of Equativ’s consistent and long-standing vision toward a fair, innovative, and transparent digital advertising ecosystem.

‍New York, October 13, 2025 - Equativ, the leading independent end-to-end media platform, today filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Virginia against Google. Equativ seeks not only compensation for the financial impact Google has caused it but also to establish fair conditions for the future of these markets, which are vital to a free and open internet. The lawsuit follows the ruling from the U.S. District Court in April 2025, which found that Google holds illegal monopolies in both the publisher ad server and ad exchange markets. 

Equativ’s complaint alleges that Google has monopolized two technologies essential to open-web display advertising: publisher ad servers and advertising exchanges, commonly known as supply-side platforms (SSPs). Equativ claims that Google’s anti-competitive actions have caused significant damage to Equativ’s ad server and ad exchange businesses.

“Since our founding in 2001 as a pioneer in publisher ad serving, Equativ has been dedicated to building an independent and innovative media platform,” said Arnaud Créput, Chief Executive Officer at Equativ. “Despite the challenges along the way, we’ve continued to strengthen our culture of innovation, earn the trust of our clients, attract top talent, and secure the confidence of our investors. We look forward to working closely with our adtech partners to ensure transparency, fairness, and competition remain at the core of a healthier digital advertising ecosystem.”

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