"Total Victory": Court rejects Google appeal in Epic legal dispute
Google's appeal against the jury decision in the App Store dispute with Epic Games has been rejected. Now the consequences could become real.
(Image: Shutterstock/Koshiro K)
Tim Sweeney is delighted: "Total victory," tweeted the Epic boss following the latest decision by The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals, which dismissed Google's appeal in the app store dispute on Friday night German time.
In December 2023, a jury found in favor of Epic on all counts after the company behind "Fortnite" and the Unreal Engine accused Google in court of exploiting its Android monopoly and anti-business practices. A few months later, Judge James Donato laid down the consequences of this ruling: Google must open its Play Store to alternative stores. In addition, all apps must also be available in alternative stores by default as long as developers do not actively refuse to do so.
Google appealed against the ruling at the end of 2024. This is another reason why the provisions of Donato's ruling have not yet been enforced. An Epic spokesperson confirmed to technology magazine The Verge that this suspension should come to an end following the Appeals Court ruling. This means that the Play Store could undergo massive changes in the near future.
Google wants to appeal again
"This decision will significantly violate user security," Google wrote in a statement to The Verge. In addition, the decision undermines innovation on the Android platform and reduces decision-making options for users. Google therefore intends to appeal the ruling again –, in which case it would likely be up to the Supreme Court, the highest court in the United States.
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Epic sued Google and Apple in 2020. While the lawsuit against Apple was largely lost, the tech company celebrated major successes against Google. US judges primarily criticized agreements worth billions with device manufacturers such as Samsung. Google had given them a share of the revenue from Play Store sales. In return, the manufacturers had to agree to give preference to the Play Store on their devices.
Since last summer, Android devices have also had their own Epic Store. Until now, however, it had to be installed as an APK and the range of apps was limited. This could soon change: Epic CEO Tim Sweeney has already announced that the Epic Games Store will now also be distributed via the Play Store.
(dahe)
