A jury in the case of Fortnite’s developer, who accused Google and Apple of app store monopolies three years ago, has ruled in favor of Epic Games, as reported by The Verge.
The jurors of the District Court for the Northern District of California found that Google has illegally monopolized its app store, Google Play, and its payment processing service, Google Play Billing.
The jury unanimously agreed on all the questions posed:
Google engaged in anticompetitive conduct, charged developers unreasonably high fees of up to 30%, and Epic Games suffered due to such behavior. Developers are mandated to use Google Play and Google Play Billing for their apps to be featured in the store.
In January, the court will begin determining the appropriate remedies, according to Reuters. If upheld, the decision could offer developers more control over the distribution and monetization of their apps.
Today’s verdict is a victory for app developers and users worldwide. It confirms that the operations of app stores are illegal, exploiting their monopoly by charging excessive fees, stifling competition, and hindering innovation, Epic Games stated.
Google’s Vice President of Public Affairs, Wilson White, announced plans to appeal the verdict:
The trial clearly demonstrated that we are in fierce competition with Apple and its App Store, as well as with other Android device app stores and gaming consoles. It’s worth noting that in late April, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in the U.S. rejected Epic Games’ appeal and upheld a late 2021 decision.
Fortnite’s creator accused Apple of not allowing third-party app stores, leveraging its monopolistic position. However, the court ruled that Apple does not hold a monopoly at any level of U.S. law.
Apple confirmed that 9 out of 10 claims were decided in their favor and now aims to win the remaining relevant lawsuit concerning the exclusion of alternative payment methods in the App Store.
