Support and expand DOJ, FTC, and state attorneys general efforts to break up or penalize Big Tech monopolies through the courts.
Strengthen ongoing DOJ, FTC, and state attorneys general cases by backing the research, experts, and coordination needed to win strong remedies. Use litigation to force disclosure of internal practices and to secure court orders or settlements that curb exclusionary tactics without waiting on new laws.
Why this works
- The government’s antitrust suits (Google, Amazon, etc.) are already underway – pushing these to successful conclusions could achieve via court order much of what legislation would do.
- For example, if the court rules Google must stop agreements that block competition (like making itself default search on phones), that opens the market.
- If Amazon is found liable for monopolizing online marketplace, the remedy could include prohibiting certain anti-competitive contract terms with sellers (e.g.
- punishing sellers for offering lower prices elsewhere).
- Litigation can also impose structural remedies: e.g.
- spinning off parts of a company if necessary.
- This path doesn’t require new laws – it leverages existing law (Sherman Act, etc.), and in some cases judges may be willing to impose strong remedies if the evidence is clear (the Google trial has brought forward internal docs and testimony that strengthen the case that its dominance is maintained by exclusionary tactics).
Open Markets Institute
Tax-deductibleResearch and advocacy to confront monopolies
The Open Markets Institute is a nonprofit organization that promotes competitive markets and democratic accountability by tackling corporate monopolies. Emerging from a journalism and research project in 2017, Open Markets uses in-depth research, journalism, and advocacy to expose the dangers of monopolization in sectors from tech to agriculture. It pushes for strong antitrust enforcement, supports policymakers working to break up or regulate monopolies, and educates the public on how concentrated economic power undermines democracy.
Mechanism
About LitigationHow Open Markets Institute uses funding
- Align with state attorneys general and enforcement agencies on timelines and support needs.
- Fund research and expert analysis that supports claims and remedies.
- Support amicus briefs and other public-interest filings that reinforce enforcement.
- Translate case milestones into accessible updates that sustain pressure through long timelines.
- Plan early for the remedy phase, including conduct and structural options described in the cause materials.
Milestones
Checkpoints and the expected timing for each step
- 1
Case support plan set
Near termPriority cases and support roles are defined.
- 2
Evidence and expert pipeline built
As discovery proceedsExperts and analysis are ready for key filings.
- 3
Remedies framework aligned
Pre-decisionDesired conduct and structural remedies are documented.
- 4
Decision or settlement response executed
At outcomeFollow-through steps are launched promptly and clearly.