The statements were made in reply to an Aug. 7 order from Judge William Alsup, who oversaw the case. to disclose if they "retained or paid print or internet authors, journalists, commentators or bloggers who have and/or may publish comments on the issues" in the case.

Both companies had until noon Pacific time on Friday to make their submissions, and they appear to have been filed shortly before the deadline.

"Neither Google nor its counsel has paid an author, journalist, commentator or blogger to report or comment on any issues in this case," Google said in its statement to the court. "And neither Google nor its counsel has been involved in any quid pro quo in exchange for coverage or articles about the issues in this case."

Google went on to say that the large amount of material written about the case, coupled with the ease in which opinions can be published online, means that some with an indirect financial connection could have "expressed views regarding this case," but the company declined to provide a list saying it would be long and, in Google's opinion, falls outside of the scope and intention of the court's Aug. 7 order.

It cited examples of universities, political and trade associations, people who use Google's advertising products on their websites, its own employees, consultants and witnesses.