In the case of Microsoft’s acquisition of Activision Blizzard, the judge denied an appeal by the FTC.
The FTC has appealed Judge Corley’s decision, which previously disagreed with the FTC’s concerns and thus unblocked the agency.
The FTC presented arguments that the judge erred on some counts, but Corley denied this and declined to challenge the FTC.
“The FTC is asking this court to prohibit the merger in question pending a decision on the FTC’s appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Circuits. (Dkt. No. 313.) The motion is denied.”
Now the FTC must appeal to the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals for an urgent stay, as we previously reported. It is questionable whether this will be allowed. In addition, Lina Khan of the FTC has been grilled by regulators and has had to face numerous uncomfortable questions.