Google has managed to push the resolution of the antitrust case brought against it by the European Commission until after the long summer vacation.

The company had asked for extra time to examine documents provided by the Commission, which has now given it until Aug. 17 to defend itself against charges that it systematically favored its own comparison shopping product over those of competitors. Most Commission staff will be on vacation that month, although someone will be available to receive Google’s response and “the right for Google to be heard will be fully respected,” a Commission official said.

In April, the Commission concluded its investigation of Google’s business practices, finding that by favoring its own products systematically the company infringes on European Union antitrust rules, hurts consumers and stifles competition. Google initially had 10 weeks to respond from the moment it had access to the charges, called a Statement of Objections, but that deadline has now been extended.

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