Epic Games emerges victorious in legal battle against Google Play Store

A jury in the US has found that Google illegally maintained its dominance over rival app stores, particularly its Play Store. The lawsuit was filed by Epic Games, the owner of the popular video game Fortnite, in 2020. Epic Games accused Google of having a monopoly over app distribution and in-app billing. The Play Store is used by hundreds of millions of people worldwide to install apps on Android smartphones. Google plans to challenge the decision, arguing that Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than other major mobile platforms. Epic Games' CEO, Tim Sweeney, stated that work on potential remedies would begin in January. Sweeney celebrated the jury's decision, claiming victory over the Google Play monopoly. The trial lasted over a month, with both companies presenting their final arguments on Monday. The case also questioned the transaction fees of up to 30% that Google imposes on Android app developers. Epic Games alleged that Google stifles innovation and limits choice through secretive and anti-competitive agreements. In response, Google filed a countersuit against Epic Games for allegedly violating the company's developer agreement. Google has faced various antitrust cases, including settling similar claims with dating app Match prior to the start of the Epic trial. Epic Games also filed a similar antitrust case against Apple in 2020, but the ruling largely favored Apple in 2021.