Google has filed its opening brief appealing the Epic Games lawsuit verdict, with oral arguments scheduled for February 3rd before the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. Google contests the District Court's decision, arguing that Epic's claims regarding app distribution and in-app billing markets contradict previous rulings in the Apple case.
The company also challenges the imposed injunction, which mandates changes to Google Play, including allowing third-party app stores and catalog access. Google argues this compels them to aid competitors, violating established antitrust principles. Furthermore, the injunction surpasses Epic's proposed remedies and disregards security risks and developer intellectual property concerns. The company also points to the existing settlement with state attorneys general regarding Play Store practices.
For further details on Google's legal battles, see Apple Intelligence Faces Regulatory Hurdles in China. This appeal follows a previous settlement where Google agreed to pay $700 million and simplify sideloading. For more information on app stores and related topics, check out Bluesky's Public API Raises Data Privacy Concerns and FTC Raises Concerns About Smart Device Update Policies.
Key Arguments
- Disputed market definition of app distribution and in-app billing.
- Objection to enforced changes like third-party app stores.
- Concerns about security risks and developer intellectual property.