Google Jumps Into AT&T and T-Mobile Merger Case

Google has asked a U.S. judge overseeing the Justice Department's lawsuit against the AT&T merger with T-Mobile USA to ensure that its confidential information is not leaked.

Why?

Google provided the Justice Department with confidential information which it describes as, "competitively sensitive" because it relates to internal products and launch plans. What Google is asking is for those involved in the case to give them advance notice when any of their information will be disclosed in court or to expert witnesses.

"Without such additional protection, Google and other non- parties could find their confidential information -- such as Google’s business plans related to Android -- in the hands of competitors (or their competitors’ consultants), or even in newspapers, without having had prior notice of its disclosure,” Google said its request to intervene in the lawsuit.

Thanks to Bloomberg for this news scoop.