An American jury has found that Google’s app store is operating as an illegal app store. Exclusive.
The decision was made in a lawsuit brought by video game company Epic Games. A jury reached the verdict this week in California after a four-week trial.
Epic had argued that Google uses business practices that prevent it from competing with the Google Play Store.Users can download from there app For smartphones and other devices that use the Android operating system (OS). Google owns the Android OS. Epic uses Google Play and other app stores to sell games such as the popular game Fortnite.
Experts predict that if the ruling stands, it could cost Google billions of dollars in business. It’s also likely that the way all app stores do business will change in the future. Google condemned the court’s decision and said it would appeal the ruling.
Android holds by far the largest share of the mobile OS market worldwide. Online data researcher Statista he estimated in October that Android’s market share is 70.5%. The next closest competitor, Apple, held his 28.8% market share.
Other companies, such as Apple, also operate app stores. Epic filed a similar lawsuit against Apple in 2021. In it, Epic alleged that Apple used techniques in its app store that created monopolies that inhibited competition. A federal judge ruled in favor of Apple in this case. Epic appealed this ruling.
One of the biggest questions in both cases was whether Google and Apple had the right to require developers to use the app store’s payment system. Such systems can account for up to 30% of sales. commission From the app developer.
In Epic v. Apple, the judges mostly sided with Apple. However, the judge found that Apple had used unfair business practices in violation of California law. A judge ordered Apple to allow developers across the country to add their own links to process payments within iPhone apps.
Reuters reported that Google’s appeal will be heard in the same San Francisco court that ruled Epic against Apple. Epic is currently appealing Apple’s ruling to the U.S. Supreme Court.
The jury in the Epic v. Google case deliberated for about three hours before reaching its verdict on Monday. The court determined that Google’s control of the Play Store amounts to an illegal monopoly. The jury found that this monopoly covers both Google’s app sales system and its in-app payment processing methods. Epic did not seek monetary damages from the court.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the court’s ruling regarding X (formerly known as Twitter). “Victory for Google!” Sweeney I have written. In a corporate statement, Epic said: verdict “A win for all app developers; consumer In the world. “
Wilson White, Google’s vice president of government and public policy, confirmed the company plans to appeal the ruling. “We continue to protect Android’s business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and Android in general,” he said in a statement. Ecosystem. ”
White added that the Google Play Store currently offers “more choice and openness” than other major mobile providers.
Depending on how the court’s ruling is enforced, Google could lose billions of dollars a year in sales fees through the Play Store. However, the company’s main source of revenue, online advertising, will not be directly affected by the court’s ruling.
The case now returns to the trial judge, U.S. District Judge James Donato. He will hear arguments from both sides about how Google’s business operations should change to improve fair competition. The judge indicated that the process could begin in the second week of January.
These hearings will allow Google to argue against Epic’s proposed changes. Additionally, the final order made by the judge may be appealed. Technical experts say the process could lead to litigation lasting months or even years.
I’m Brian Lin.
Brian Lin wrote this report for VOA Learning English, based on reporting from The Associated Press, Reuters and Agence France-Presse.
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words of this story
Exclusive –n. complete control over the entire supply of goods or services in a particular region or market
app –n. A small computer program that can be installed on mobile phones and other electronic devices
commission –n. A payment made to a person who sells goods that is directly related to the amount sold
verdict -yeah. Jury decisions in courtroom trials
consumer –n. a person who purchases a product or service
Ecosystem –n. anything that is part of a particular environment or situation