Epic Games wins antitrust lawsuit against Google barriers to Android app store (2023)
Epic Games won an antitrust lawsuit against Google, with the jury finding that Google's Play Store practices harm consumers and stifle competition. Google plans to appeal the ruling.
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A federal court jury has ruled in favor of Epic Games in its antitrust lawsuit against Google, determining that Google's Android app store has maintained anticompetitive barriers that harm both consumers and software developers. The unanimous verdict was reached after a brief deliberation following a four-week trial, which focused on Google's Play Store and its commission structure, where the company collects fees ranging from 15% to 30% on in-app transactions. Epic Games, known for its popular Fortnite game, accused Google of abusing its market power to protect its Play Store from competition. Unlike Apple, which prohibits alternative app stores, Google technically allows them, but Epic argued that Google employs tactics to discourage their use. The jury's decision could lead to significant changes in how Google operates its Play Store, potentially impacting its substantial revenue from app commissions. Epic's CEO celebrated the verdict as a victory for app developers and consumers, while Google announced plans to appeal, asserting that its platform offers more choice than competitors. The case highlights ongoing tensions in the tech industry regarding market dominance and competition.
- Epic Games won an antitrust lawsuit against Google regarding its Play Store practices.
- The jury found that Google’s actions harmed consumers and stifled competition.
- The ruling could lead to significant changes in Google’s app store operations and revenue model.
- Google plans to appeal the verdict, maintaining that it provides more choice than competitors.
- The case underscores broader issues of market dominance in the tech industry.
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