Epic Games has emerged victorious in its antitrust lawsuit against tech giant Google. The verdict, delivered after an intense month-long trial, has the potential to revolutionize the app marketplace. Jurors unanimously agreed with Epic’s claim that Google’s Play store policies were monopolistic, particularly criticizing the mandatory use of Google’s billing system for app developers, which comes with a hefty fee of up to 30%.
The outcome could dramatically alter the digital landscape, granting app developers greater control over the distribution and monetization of their products. Despite the Play store’s relatively small contribution to Google’s overall revenue, it holds significant symbolic weight as the primary access point to a vast number of mobile devices.
Google, facing a major setback, has announced its intention to appeal the decision. Wilson White, Google’s VP of government affairs and public policy, emphasized the company’s commitment to “defend the Android business model,” underscoring their dedication to partners and the Android community.
Epic’s CEO, Tim Sweeney, lauded the jury’s decision on social media, denouncing what he termed as “the Google Play monopoly.” The court is set to deliberate on appropriate remedies in January, which may include opening the Android platform to alternative app stores, thereby reducing Google’s control over in-app purchases.
Epic Games has framed the verdict as a triumph against Google’s “illegal” practices, accusing the tech behemoth of leveraging its monopoly to impose “exorbitant fees, stifle competition, and reduce innovation,” according to a statement on their website.
