Google has opened its defense against allegations that it holds an illegal monopoly on online advertising technology with witness testimony saying the industry is vastly more complex and competitive than portrayed by the federal government.

Google has monopolized the technology used to buy and sell online display ads by restricting or eliminating the choices of its customers — both website publishers and advertisers — the US Justice Department alleged at a federal antitrust trial.

A senior Google executive sought to refute the US Justice Department’s antitrust case over its display advertising technology business, testifying that it faces “fierce competition” from the likes of Microsoft Corp.

The government on Friday concluded its main arguments in the case -- US et al. v. Google -- and the internet giant started mounting its defense. The case, filed last year, accuses Google of building a monopoly over the technology that places ads on websites around the internet.