SerpApi Challenges Google’s Lawsuit, Claims Internet Belongs to All

In a significant legal confrontation, data extraction startup SerpApi has filed a motion to dismiss a lawsuit initiated by Google, arguing that the internet is a shared resource and should not be monopolized. The dispute commenced in late 2025 when Google alleged that SerpApi’s web scraping techniques bypassed its security protocols, which are designed to protect its advertising revenue.

Legal Battle Over Web Scraping Practices

Google’s lawsuit claims that SerpApi’s operations infringe upon its copyright protections by scraping search results. Interestingly, tools like ChatGPT rely on data sourced from Google via SerpApi. In response, SerpApi’s legal team contends that Google is misusing copyright law to shield its business interests, rather than to protect genuine creative work.

In a blog post, Julien Khaleghy, CEO of SerpApi, emphasized that “no one owns the internet.” He pointed out the irony in Google’s position, noting that the tech giant has built its multibillion-dollar empire by aggregating publicly available information from around the web. This raises questions about the legitimacy of Google’s claims to copyright over data that it aggregates from various sources.

Arguments on Copyright and Public Access

SerpApi’s motion asserts that the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) was intended to protect copyright holders rather than website operators. The company argues that Google does not have the standing to enforce copyright protections over data that it did not create. Furthermore, SerpApi alleges that Google’s attempts to impose “access controls” lack the consent of the original content creators, infringing on the principles of a free and open internet.

Google’s complaint highlights the substantial resources it allocates to developing bot-detection tools, which are essential for maintaining the integrity of its platform and its advertising model. In contrast, SerpApi insists that its software functions similarly to a standard web browser, merely accessing publicly visible pages.

From SerpApi’s perspective, Google’s anti-scraping measures act as a “back door lock” on a property where the front door—the search results page—is fully accessible to the public. The company references legal precedents such as the Ninth Circuit’s ruling in hiQ Labs, Inc. v. LinkedIn Corp., which cautioned against the establishment of information monopolies that could be detrimental to the public interest.

One of the more striking elements of SerpApi’s legal filing centers on the potential damages involved. The startup claims that, under Google’s interpretation of the DMCA, statutory fines could potentially reach an astounding $7.06 trillion, a sum exceeding the GDP of many developed countries. SerpApi argues that this outcome contradicts the original intent of Congress when enacting the DMCA.

As the case awaits a decision in federal court, the implications of this legal battle extend beyond the two entities involved. Google’s aim is to safeguard its infrastructure and business model, while SerpApi positions itself as an advocate for unrestricted access to information online. The outcome may reshape the understanding of what it means for data to be “publicly available” and whether tech giants can retain exclusive rights to the information they index.