The U.S. Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit challenging Google LLC's practices in the area of digital advertising technology was given a quick timeline by a federal judge on Friday, moving the case along more quickly than either side had anticipated.

Following a brief hearing, U.S. Magistrate Judge John Anderson in Alexandria, Virginia, issued an order establishing January 18, 2024 as the deadline for Alphabet Inc.'s Google and Justice Department attorneys to provide factual evidence and expert reports. Both sides' attorneys had requested at least five more months to prepare for trial.

The litigation's accelerated pace could put additional pressure on both parties, but especially on Google as it builds its defense based on what the company called an "imbalance" in the proceedings in a court filing.

In contrast to the Justice Department, Google claimed that it required more time because it lacked an investigation "with the federal government's subpoena power."

The case "presents complex and extremely consequential issues, the resolution of which will affect businesses throughout the United States," Google informed the judge.

A trial start date was not specified by the judge's order.

Both a Google representative and a Justice Department spokesperson were silent on the matter on Friday.

In January, the Justice Department and eight states filed a lawsuit against Google, alleging that the company had improperly stifled competition in the area of advertising technology. The lawsuit seeks to compel Google to sell its ad manager suite. The case is one of two antitrust investigations by the Justice Department against Google.

The other, filed in October 2020 and challenging Google's search operations, is set for trial in September in federal court in Washington, D.C.

In both cases, Google has refuted the allegations.

Due to the rapid pace of its proceedings, the Eastern District of Virginia is also known as a "rocket docket."

At the January pretrial conference, Leonie Brinkema( U.S. District Judge), who is overseeing the digital advertising case, will preside. 

Samsung unveils Galaxy F14 5G, Know special features

Internet Comment on NASA Image of Earth at Night: "India Shining Too Bright"

What distinguishes the 200-foot-wide asteroid that will pass through Earth's atmosphere?