December 4, 2024
Jury Determines Google Play Store is Illegal Monopoly

Jury Determines Google Play Store is Illegal Monopoly

Posted December 12, 2023 at 3:27am by iClarified
A jury has determined that the Google Play Store is an illegal monopoly, deciding in favor of Epic Games.

After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously answered yes to each question posed to them. They found that Epic proved the existence of a relevant antitrust market, that Google willfully acquired or maintained monopoly power by engaging in anticompetitive conduct, that Epic was injured as a result of Google's violation of antitrust laws, that Google entered into one or more agreements that unreasonably restrained trade, and that Google unlawfully tied the use of the Google Play Store to the use of Google Play Billing.

Epic lauded the decision.


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.

As expected, Google says it plans to appeal the decision.

We plan to challenge the verdict. Android and Google Play provide more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform. The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles. We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem."

Since Epic did not sue for monetary damages, it's unclear what the result of the decision will be. The company likely wants the judge to order that developers can introduce their own app stores and billing systems for Android; however, it's uncertain how things will play out. Judge Donato will meet with Google and Epic next month to discuss potential remedies.


Notably, Epic mostly lost its antitrust case against Apple; however, that case was decided by a judge. Both Apple and Epic Games have appealed the verdict in that case to the Supreme Court.

Please download the iClarified app or follow iClarified on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube, and RSS for more updates.

[via Verge]


Jury Determines Google Play Store is Illegal Monopoly
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Comments (4)
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McApple1
McApple1 - December 12, 2023 at 8:05am
Checkmate, screwgle (in terms of how much they hear what they want to hear against Apple related “problems” they claim).
Z3ROS1X
Z3ROS1X - December 12, 2023 at 7:39am
We can already sideload, but I know what you mean: native sideloading. If you wanted to now, you just have to know how to approach it. Reddit is your friend. Unfortunately if you want the sideloaded app to last more than 7 days you’ll need an Apple Developer Account for $100/yr, which is ridiculous— but hey, it works. 🤷🏻‍♂️
onereader
onereader - December 12, 2023 at 8:09pm
Like our Macs. They could allow it there.
onereader
onereader - December 12, 2023 at 4:04am
Go after Apple based on this ruling. Let’s get like in Europe an alternative to AppStore
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