In a legal battle against Google, Epic Games won an antitrust case, claiming that Google held an illegal monopoly on in-app billing and app distribution on Android devices. Now, Epic has submitted a proposed permanent injunction against Google, seeking to make the Play Store almost wide open, allowing users to download apps from any source without restrictions and developers to offer in-app purchases without anticompetitive fees. If approved, the injunction could lead to Android phones pre-installed with Epic Games Store app and force Google to make substantial changes. Google will respond to the proposal by May 2, and a hearing is set for May 23.
Key Takeaways
- Epic Games won an antitrust case against Google, highlighting the illegal monopoly on in-app billing and app distribution on Android devices.
- With a proposed permanent injunction, Epic aims to open up the Play Store, allowing users to download apps from any source and choose their in-app payment options.
- The proposed injunction also seeks to prevent Google from retaliating against Epic or other developers for challenging app store practices.
- Epic wants Google to untangle its products and services from the Play Store, allowing third-party app stores onto the platform without fees for a period of six years.
- Google is under investigation over concerns of not freely allowing developers to bypass the Play Store and faces similar changes in the European Union due to the bloc's Digital Markets Act.
News Content
Epic Games won an antitrust case against Google, prompting the former to submit a proposed permanent injunction paving the way for a less restricted Play Store. The injunction demands wider app downloading options and freedom for developers and users to choose how in-app purchases are offered and paid for, free from anticompetitive fees and restrictions. It also aims to prevent Google from retaliating against Epic or any developer for taking on app store practices. Google will respond to the proposal by May 2, with a hearing set for May 23.
This significant development could potentially lead to a reshaping of the app distribution landscape, as Epic seeks to challenge Google's dominance and allow for more competition and choice for developers and consumers. Meanwhile, Google is encountering similar changes in the European Union due to the Digital Markets Act, and Epic plans to launch its own mobile app store in the EU later this year while still engaged in legal battles with Apple over third-party payments in the US.
Analysis
Epic Games' victory in the antitrust case against Google signals a potential shift in the app distribution landscape with wider app downloading options and freedom for in-app purchases. The proposed injunction aims to limit Google's control and promote a more competitive market, impacting both companies and app developers. This development could lead to a reshaping of the mobile app industry, offering more choices and opportunities for developers and consumers. In the short term, the hearing on May 23 will determine the immediate impact, while in the long term, it could set a precedent for similar legal battles globally. The move also aligns with Epic's plans to launch its own mobile app store in the EU, further challenging app distribution norms.
Did You Know?
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Antitrust case: A legal case that involves allegations of monopolistic or anticompetitive behavior by a dominant company in a particular industry, with the aim of protecting fair competition and preventing harm to consumers.
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Injunction: A court order that requires a party to do or refrain from doing specific acts. In this context, Epic Games is seeking a proposed permanent injunction against Google to address anticompetitive behaviors in the Play Store.
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Digital Markets Act: Legislation being considered by the European Union to regulate digital platforms and address issues related to competition, data, and consumer protection in the digital economy.