Epic wins antitrust suit against Google
Video game and software developer Epic Games won an antitrust suit against Google this week, a major victory for the company in its fight against app stores.
On Monday, a jury unanimously sided with Epic against Alphabet Inc.’s unit in a case that alleged the search giant violated federal and California law by forcing users to make in-app purchases through the Google Play store and by taking a large chunk of the profits. The jury also found that Google’s app store policies constituted a monopoly that harmed Epic.
“Today’s verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. It proves that Google’s app store practices are illegal and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovation,” Epic said after the verdict.
While Google has plans to appeal, Monday’s decision ends a nearly three-year legal battle between the two tech companies. Epic‘s victory will also likely have significant legal implications on upcoming court battles over in-app purchases on Apple devices.
Epic‘s flagship title “Fortnite,” which continues to bring in massive revenue for the company, is at the center of the company’s disputes with Apple and Google. While the game initially was available on Apple and Google devices through app stores, restrictions on in-app purchases led to its eventual removal.
Both Apple and Google prohibit the practice of third-party in-app purchases, which Epic utilizes in the “Fortnite” app.
Epic sued both Apple and Google. The software publisher, headquartered in North Carolina, most recently lost the suit against Apple, though the court did require the tech giant to direct users to alternative payment options. Epic wasn’t satisfied with that decision and has asked the Supreme Court to step in.
Epic‘s victory over Google may complicate Apple’s position in a potential high court fight. Apple lost an antitrust suit against music streaming company Spotify this year for similarly restricting in-app purchases.
