Web scraper sued by Google claims Google is the one scraping the web
The Verge
February 20, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
SerpApi, a company that provides tools for web scraping, is challenging Google's copyright lawsuit, which accuses SerpApi of illegally accessing and scraping Google's search results on an unprecedented scale. In December, Google filed the lawsuit, alleging that SerpApi used "deceptive means" to bypass Google's anti-scraping measures, including its SearchGuardian technology. Now, SerpApi has countered by arguing in a motion to dismiss that Google does not hold copyright ownership over its search results, asserting that these results are built using publicly available information from third-party sources. The company claims that Google's search engine relies on content created by others and therefore cannot claim exclusive rights to it.
The case raises significant questions about data ownership and the boundaries of web scraping in tech. SerpApi argues that its actions are lawful, as it is merely extracting publicly accessible data, which courts have historically allowed under certain conditions. However, Google counters that its search results represent a unique compilation and presentation of information, which it argues constitutes original work protected by copyright law. The outcome of this legal battle could set a precedent for how companies handle web scraping practices, impacting both startups like SerpApi and tech giants like Google.
This dispute also highlights the broader implications of data collection and competition in the tech industry. Web scraping is a common tool for businesses to gather information, but it often leads to conflicts over intellectual property rights and anti-scraping technologies. If Google succeeds in its lawsuit, it could discourage other companies from engaging in similar practices, potentially stifling innovation. Conversely, if SerpApi prevails, it might encourage a more open approach to data access, fostering competition and technological advancement. For tech enthusiasts and industry watchers, this case is a critical test of how copyright law applies to digital content and the evolving landscape of internet scraping.
The legal battle between SerpApi and Google underscores the complexities of data usage in the modern web ecosystem. While both companies argue their positions with technical and legal reasoning, the broader implications for tech innovation, competition
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Originally published on The Verge on 2/20/2026