After just a few hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously answered “yes” to every question posed. That is, that Google has monopolistic power in its Android app distribution market and in-app billing services market, that Google engages in anticompetitive conduct in these markets, and that Epic is I was injured. They say Google also has an illegal relationship with the Google Play app store and Google Play Billing payment service, and that its distribution agreements, Project Hug’s dealings with game developers, and its dealings with OEMs are all anti-competitive. It was determined that it was appropriate.
Wilson White, Google’s vice president of governance and public policy, said the company plans to appeal the ruling. “It has become clear that we are in fierce competition with the App Store.” You can read their full statement further below.
“Today’s ruling is a victory for all app developers and consumers around the world,” Epic Games said in a post on its blog. “It means that Google’s app store practices are illegal and abuse its monopoly. have proven to charge exorbitant fees, stifle competition, and reduce innovation.”
I’m telling you, we don’t know. what epic is The case is actually still won, but it’s up to Judge James Donato to decide what the appropriate remedy is. Epic has never sued for monetary damages. The court wants Google to tell the court that all app developers have full freedom to introduce their own app stores and their own billing systems on Android, but the judge will decide how he wants to do that. I don’t know yet whether I will make it come true or even admit it. The parties are scheduled to meet with Judge Donato in the second week of January to discuss potential remedies.
Judge Donato has already said he will. do not have Epic’s addition of an anti-circumvention clause to “prevent Google from reintroducing the same problem through another creative solution,” as Epic’s lead attorney Gary Bornstein said on Nov. 28. The request was approved.
“We don’t give injunctions to not break the law…if you have a problem, come back,” Donato said. He also said that Google does not decide what percentage of fees it charges for its products.
Epic did not sue for damages, but Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said Epic stands to make hundreds of millions or even billions of dollars without having to pay Google. He suggested that there is.
Here is the verdict form that jurors were required to fill out. Epic vs. Google:
Wilson White, Vice President of Government Affairs, Google:
We plan to appeal the judgment. Android and Google Play offer more choice and openness than other major mobile platforms. The trial revealed that the company competes fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as the App Store for his Android devices and game consoles. We remain committed to the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem. ”
Updated December 11th at 8:45pm ET: Added statements from both Google and Epic Games, as well as the final jury verdict.