Jury Determines Google Play Store is Illegal Monopoly

A jury has determined that the Google Play Store is an illegal monopoly, deciding in favor of Epic Games.

After only a few hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously answered yes to each question posed to them. They found that Epic proved the existence of a relevant antitrust market, that Google willfully acquired or maintained monopoly power by engaging in anticompetitive conduct, that Epic was injured as a result of Google's violation of antitrust laws, that Google entered into one or more agreements that unreasonably restrained trade, and that Google unlawfully tied the use of the Google Play Store to the use of Google Play Billing.

Epic lauded the decision.


Today's verdict is a win for all app developers and consumers around the world. It proves that Google's app store practices are illegal and they abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant fees, stifle competition and reduce innovation.

As expected, Google says it plans to appeal the decision.

We plan to challenge the verdict. Android and Google Play provide more choice and openness than any other major mobile platform. The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Store, as well as app stores on Android devices and gaming consoles. We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem."

Since Epic did not sue for monetary damages, it's unclear what the result of the decision will be. The company likely wants the judge to order that developers can introduce their own app stores and billing systems for Android; however, it's uncertain how things will play out. Judge Donato will meet with Google and Epic next month to discuss potential remedies.


Notably, Epic mostly lost its antitrust case against Apple; however, that case was decided by a judge. Both Apple and Epic Games have appealed the verdict in that case to the Supreme Court.

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[via Verge]