Apple Denies Violating Court Order Over App Store, Rejects Epic Games’ Contempt Request

Apple’s Defense Against Epic Games

In a recent filing to U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in Oakland, Apple refuted claims of breaching a court order related to its App Store. The tech giant urged the judge to dismiss Epic Games’ request for holding it in contempt. This legal battle stems from Epic’s 2020 lawsuit accusing Apple of antitrust violations.

Epic’s Allegations vs. Apple’s Response

Apple criticized Epic’s attempt to obtain its tools and technologies for free, claiming it aimed to interfere with Apple’s business operations to boost its own profits. Epic, on the other hand, accused Apple of violating a court injunction by imposing a 27% fee on developers for certain purchases, rendering alternative payment links unfeasible.

Legal Ramifications and Industry Reactions

Although Epic largely lost the case against Apple, a judge ordered Apple to allow developers more freedom in directing app users to alternative payment methods. Meta Platforms, Microsoft, Elon Musk’s X, and Match Group supported Epic’s claims, alleging Apple’s non-compliance with the court order.

Impact on Google and Expected Developments

A similar lawsuit by Epic against Google may lead to a separate injunction affecting the Google Play Store. The legal battle between Epic Games and Apple continues to unfold, with implications for the broader tech industry.

Case Details

The ongoing legal dispute between Epic Games Inc and Apple Inc, filed in the U.S. District Court, Northern District of California under case No. 20-05640, highlights the complexities of antitrust regulations and business practices in the digital age.