A case is ongoing pitting Epic Games and Match Group against Google over Google’s control over Android app distribution. A judge in the Northern District of California has set a date for the trial to begin on November 6, 2023.
Indeed, Epic and Match accuse the tech giant of abusing its control over the distribution of Android apps. The company allegedly abused the Play Store by setting unfair fees and requirements for in-app purchases. These allegations are accompanied by a lawsuit that includes 39 attorneys general and a class action lawsuit from clients seeking $4.7 billion in damages.
The steps of Epic and Match
For Epic, it all started in 2020 when the creator of Android kicked Fortnite from the Play Store. The reason is that it has allowed its users to use another in-app payment system which Google strongly forbids. As for Match, in 2022 it sued the tech giant over store charges that it believes ” exorbitant “.
Subsequently, Epic and Match have according to Engadget ” solidified their case and filed a motion last fall to expand their charges Both companies say Google violated antitrust laws by giving major developers huge sums of money to keep their apps on the Play Store.
What does Google say?
Google says it hasn’t abused its power and that the fee is needed to both maintain and invest in the Play Store. Among other things, he argues that the incentive program does not in any way prohibit developers from launching third-party stores and that the competition established is fair. Additionally, in December 2022, the company asked the court not to accept the expanded claims regarding timelines and other matters.
Also, it should be noted that Google has made some concessions, including a program to test Play Store billing alternatives. However, the pilot still gives Google a cut on every transaction you make. Now, we have to see if those measures will satisfy the court and regulators. But even if the company wins against Epic and Watch, chances are it won’t emerge entirely unscathed. Currently, the tech giant is grappling with several antitrust cases.
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