The jury in Epic v. Google finds that Google has monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing services markets; Google plans to appeal

Three years after Fortnite maker Epic Games sued Apple and Google for allegedly running illegal app store monopolies, Epic has a win.

The Verge 2023-12-12 Sean Hollister

Discussion

@scott.nover Scott Nover on threads
There's a definite degradation of the centralization we've become accustomed to in the past two decades. But it's also not decentralization in any effective term of the word. The internet, it seems, is just getting crappier and waiting on fresh blood to turn it into something m…
@alexhcranz Alex Cranz on threads
pro tips: maybe don't do lots of secret deals to maintain monopolies and also if you do don't then try to hide it all in discovery to the point the judge vows vengeance. what a wild result.
@karaswisher Kara Swisher on threads
Lose to Apple; Win re Google. Juries matter?
@joenandez Joe Fernandez on threads
It seems so strange to me that (if this ruling stands, I assume they will appeal) Google may be required to offer 3P App stores, while Apple will not? Seems like either Google wins on Appeal, or Apple soon is also required to offer alternative App Stores. For the record, more a…
@alexheath Alex Heath on threads
Did not have Epic losing its antitrust lawsuit against Apple but winning against Google on my bingo card https://www.theverge.com/...
@skillupyt @skillupyt on threads
Epic has beaten Google in its anti-trust suit. The court agreed that Google maintained a monopoly and engaged in anti-competitive behavior. If upheld at appeal, this will likely have a huge impact on things like competing mobile storefronts (a stated goal of Microsoft), platfor…
@chris Chris Messina on threads
I'm sorry GOOGLE has an illegal monopoly??
@anildash Anil Dash on threads
Google just lost a lawsuit, meaning their App Store was declared an illegal monopoly and may have to open up, similar to how Apple is enabling other sources of apps thanks to EU regulators. New social platforms (like Threads) are connecting to open formats that have been in the …
@carnage4life Dare Obasanjo on threads
Wow. The jury has sided with Epic, maker of Fortnite. Google's deals with Android OEMs to privilege the Google Play store makes them an illegal monopoly. It's ironic that Google which technically is more open than Apple by supporting 3rd party app stores on Android lost agains…
@mishaal_rahman Mishaal Rahman on threads
Ironically, if Android were a more closed ecosystem, Epic might not have won this case. But because Android is distributed the way it is, Google feels the need to maintain control through things like RSA, MADA, etc, which made them look really bad in this case. …
@anildash Anil Dash on threads
The app stores are cracking open, walls between social media platforms are coming down as the old networks fail, the headlong rush to AI is making all the search engines worse, and the open web is more powerful than ever — we are about to see the biggest reshuffling of power on t…
@anildash Anil Dash on threads
The web's coming back, baby!
@eshumarneedi @eshumarneedi on threads
Makes sense. Google did a terrible job of defending itself. They deleted evidence, for one; they cut deals with other developers to keep them on the Play Store, which is essentially bribery; and every piece of evidence they had showed they were a monopoly. Fair win, Epic.
@reckless1280 Nilay Patel on threads
Holy shit https://www.theverge.com/...
@dangillmor@mastodon.social Dan Gillmor on mastodon
It's baffling that Apple, which imposes much more control-freakish App Store restrictions than Google Play, gets a pass on its monopolistic behavior while Google (properly IMO) gets nailed. — The jury in the Google case showed common sense. The judge in the Apple case showed t…
@film_girl@mastodon.social Christina Warren on mastodon
The Google v Oracle trial took 11 years to get settled so anyone expecting anything fast wrt the Epic v. Google case and the appellate hell that is sure to come should keep some perspective. — I know this case was argued very differently versus Apple but goddamn Google. So man…
@film_girl@mastodon.social Christina Warren on mastodon
How the hell do you lose a lawsuit that your biggest competitor (who is arguably a much bigger monopolist than you) won so decisively? https://www.theverge.com/...
@marklemley@mastodon.lawprofs.org Mark A Lemley on mastodon
Epic won its antitrust jury trial against Google!
@joeo.bsky.social Joe Ortiz on bluesky
This could be HUGE in terms of overall app store competition if it stands on appeal. — The web might be back sooner than you think... [embedded post]
@timsweeneyepic Tim Sweeney on x
Victory over Google! After 4 weeks of detailed court testimony, the California jury found against the Google Play monopoly on all counts. The Court's work on remedies will start in January. Thanks for everyone's support and faith! Free Fortnite!
@techcases_bot @techcases_bot on x
New filing: “Epic v. Google (Play antitrust)” Doc #606: JURY VERDICT. (lrc, COURT STAFF) (Filed on 12/11/2023) (Entered: 12/11/2023) PDF: https://www.courtlistener.com/ ... #CL17443962 [image]
@hoeglaw Richard Hoeg on x
Thanks everyone for messaging me on this. I may do a video, but if you've been watching/listening to me you'll know that I always thought that Google had a tougher case to win owing to the third party contracts they (and not Apple) needed to control their ecosystem.
@ballmatthew Matthew Ball on x
and that Epic was injured by that behavior." They decided Google has an illegal tie between its Google Play app store and its Google Play Billing payment services, too, and that its distribution agreement... [con't]
@adamkovac Adam Kovacevich on x
As @TheVerge's Sean Hollister reports, Epic (unlike Spotify and Match) was never interested in getting a better commission rate from Google. It wants the court to mandate alternative app stores and alternate billing systems on Android. [image]
@courtneyr Dr. Courtney Radsch on x
Justice is served as the jury in Epic v. Google finds that Google turned its Play app store & Billing service into an illegal monopoly that hinged on secret revenue sharing deals between Google, smartphone makers, and big game developers https://www.theverge.com/...
@ballmatthew Matthew Ball on x
In Epic Games v Google, “Jury unanimously answered yes to every question put before them — that Google has monopoly power in the Android app distribution markets and in-app billing services markets, that Google did anticompetitive things in those markets... [con't]
@markrein Mark Rein on x
We scored a court victory for all software developers today! “Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight” https://www.theverge.com/...
@joshuaogundu Josh on x
The jury in Epic v. Google has just delivered its verdict — and it found that Google turned its Google Play app store and Google Play Billing service into an illegal monopoly. https://www.theverge.com/...
@paultassi Paul Tassi on x
oh shit
@leehepner Lee Hepner on x
HUGE: Epic Games just won its antitrust case against Google's $46B Play Store empire. From Epic's Complaint: “Epic does not seek monetary damages for the injuries it has suffered. Instead, Epic seeks injunctive relief that would make good on Google's broken promises.” Boom.
@adamkovac Adam Kovacevich on x
Jury just came back for Epic in its Android case against Google. This is going to get interesting. Next, Judge Donato will have to figure out what remedy makes sense... [image]
@macton93 Michael Acton on x
#Google has lost the Play Store antitrust case. A major, major win for Epic Games. Google can still appeal, so this isn't the end of the story. But it took jury mere hours to reach a verdict this afternoon in California.
@gregbensinger @gregbensinger on x
In closing arguments, Epic Games' attorney says about Google Play that “Google knew these profits could not last unless it took action to prevent competition”
@adamkovac Adam Kovacevich on x
Worth noting that Google Play commissions are a big way that Google funds Android development. Android development creates competition vs. iOS. If Donato nukes Play commissions, Google will have to find another funding mechanism to support Android.
@ow Owen Williams on x
This is a BIG deal and might be a watershed moment for unbundling app stores that makes it a lot easier to compete. Having options beyond paying 30% of your income would be a *big* deal for mobile. https://www.theverge.com/...
@lutherlowe Luther Lowe on x
Congrats to ⁦@TimSweeneyEpic⁩ and the Epic team to sticking to your guns and prevailing. Lots of positive externalities to this case beyond the Play Store and a likely preview of DOJ Ad Tech case, which is also a jury trial. 💪 https://www.theverge.com/...
@profthomlambert Thom Lambert on x
Well this appeal oughta be interesting. Epic prevailed at trial against Google, which allows the sideloading of Android apps but warns against it. But Epic lost at trial (and on appeal) against Apple, which doesn't even permit sideloading on iOS. Hmmm.... https://www.theverge.com…
@khushitavasant @khushitavasant on x
. @Google plans to challenge a California jury's verdict that it monopolizes the Play Store. “We will continue to defend the Android business model and remain deeply committed to our users, partners, and the broader Android ecosystem,” Google said. @EpicGames @antitrust #monopoly
@capitolkvd Katie Van Dyck on x
The people have spoken. Hard to overstate the magnitude of this verdict.
@gregbensinger @gregbensinger on x
Google says it plans to appeal jury finding of anticompetitive behavior in Epic Games case “We plan to challenge the verdict.” — Wilson White, VP, Government Affairs & Public Policy
@zacharygraves Zach Graves on x
@lutherlowe Apple is also objectively worse on hostility to openness / competition
@evan_greer @evan_greer on x
This is a good court decision. App store monopolies are terrible for competition and even worse for human rights
@matthewstoller Matt Stoller on x
The break-up of big tech is beginning with Google's first antitrust loss. https://www.thebignewsletter.com/ ... [image]
@econliberties @econliberties on x
🚨HUGE: A jury just ruled in favor of @EpicGames and AGAINST Google's monopoly power. @CapitolKVD says “This is a message that justice can prevail in the fight against Big Tech's outsized power over our lives.” Our full statement.👇 https://www.economicliberties.us/ ... [image]
@wholemarsblog @wholemarsblog on x
The judge in the Epic v. Google case is actually the same one who dismissed Aaron Greenspan's TSLAQ lawsuit against me and Elon [image]
@nhegde Nidhi Hegde on x
Google is obviously a monopoly abusing its power as this jury has found. This is a terrific result showing that we can challenge dominant corporations and win, and hopefully, the first of many. Congrats to Epic on this win and for its ask for an open, fair, competitive market!
@timsweeneyepic Tim Sweeney on x
@KhushitaVasant ... We will be ready for a peel... [image]
@jason_kint Jason Kint on x
This detail should rightly haunt and damage Google's defense across all of its antitrust trials... no press should overlook it. [image]
@jason_kint Jason Kint on x
Epic win. Jury rules against Google in landmark antitrust lawsuit for its App Store. Also await details of State AGs settlement in matter...we'll get a decision on Google's search antitrust trial in a few months. And a trial on DOJ and states' adtech lawsuit. Walls. Closing. In.
@benvol Ben Volach on x
@MarkRein Congratulations to Epic Games on their landmark victory against Google's mobile Play Store monopoly in the market for distribution of apps and payments on its Android software. This win signifies a crucial turning point, greatly improving the likelihood of achieving mor…
@ballmatthew Matthew Ball on x
and Project Hug deals with game developers and deals with OEMs were anticompetitive too." https://www.theverge.com/...
@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
Per the Verge: “Epic never sued for monetary damages; it wants the court to tell Google that every app developer has total freedom to introduce its own app stores and its own billing systems on Android, and we don't yet know how or even whether the judge might grant those wishes”
@matthewstoller Matt Stoller on x
Google was just found liable for antitrust violations and Lina Khan successfully won a case against a giant pharma firm that charges $750k a year for treatments. WSJ editorial page must be pulling an all-nighter.
@lutherlowe Luther Lowe on x
It's remarkable how both major Google antitrust cases this year put as much spotlight on Apple's bad behavior as they did Google. Apple is next over the barrell.
@florianederer Florian Ederer on x
The California jury just found that Google violated US antitrust laws in running its Google Play app store. A big win for Epic!
r/Android r on reddit
Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight
r/gaming r on reddit
Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight
r/technology r on reddit
Epic win: Jury decides Google has illegal monopoly in app store fight
@robleathern Rob Leathern on x
@benthompson We will see what the penalty here is, but Digital Markets Act means they/Apple need to open up to other app stores in EU anyway. Given that writing already on wall about more open app stores, perhaps this broadens or accelerates what would happen anyway? https://uk.f…
@khushitavasant @khushitavasant on x
. @EpicGames' victory today against @Google in Play Store #antitrust suit is historic given that a little over two years ago another California judge, Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers, ruled that @Apple is NOT a monopolist in a similar action filed by Epic. @xy0o0 @jennbrice @mlexclusive […
@florian4gamers Florian Mueller on x
I addressed this in my Space: why did Google lose while Apple (though it's not definitive yet and Epic at least won an anti-anti-steering injunction) largely defended itself? I called it “injustice” as Apple's more restrictive rules are worse but it's not inexplicable: 🧵1/2
@brendaneich @brendaneich on x
@TimSweeneyEpic Congratulations to you and everyone involved, Tim.
@alexeheath Alex Heath on x
Did not have Epic losing its antitrust lawsuit against Apple but winning against Google on my bingo card
@stephentotilo Stephen Totilo on x
The Epic-Apple case, decided by a judge, focused on Apple's policies and whether they were anti-competitive This case, decided by a jury and expertly covered by @verge the past couple of weeks, involved deals Google made or tried to make regarding its app store and competition
@markgurman Mark Gurman on x
Google's legal defeat at the hands of Fortnite maker Epic Games threatens to roil an app store duopoly with Apple that generates close to $200 billion a year and dictates how billions of consumers use mobile devices. https://www.bloomberg.com/...
@ctbeiser @ctbeiser on x
funny thing about Epic winning against Google but losing against Apple is it's mostly about Googlers writing emails like “Negotiated deal to decrease competition in the market—big bonus this Q!” and “Reminder: always delete incriminating documents subject to retention notices.”
@jason_kint Jason Kint on x
Amen. The floodgate is now open. Congress also should be paying attention after failing to pass its gatekeeper self-preferencing legislation while the EU passed its Digital Markets Act.
@timsweeneyepic Tim Sweeney on x
@elonmusk Thanks! On to Cupertino.
@antumbral Katelyn Gadd on x
Seeing that Epic got a big win against Google thanks to the jury in their case, it is really surprising that they agreed to have a judge handle their case against Apple. Even the judge in that case had suggested a jury but they turned it down. Bet Sweeney regrets that now
@georgebsocial George Broussard on x
Congrats Epic Games and Tim Sweeney for a victory over Google and anti competitive practices on their store! I told you before that Tim Sweeney is an Avenger. (Apple is guilty too. Bad judge! Just a matter of time) https://www.theverge.com/...
@timsweeneyepic Tim Sweeney on x
@ZarkliX Apple appeal is in the queue for the Supreme Court of the United States to consider hearing.
@timsweeneyepic Tim Sweeney on x
@Florian4Gamers We'll compete, and we'll also put Fortnite on any serious store that gives all developers an awesome deal. Steam, Microsoft, OneStore, anyone: give all developers an awesome deal and we'll support you. The end of these ridiculous 30% fees is near. [image]
@benthompson Ben Thompson on x
Lots of folks are surprised that Epic beat Google but not Apple, except for Stratechery readers. [image]
@collins_belton Collins Belton on x
Difficult to see how this doesn't portend something ominous for Apple if even the Play Store is potentially on the chopping block. That said, I've been saying antitrust is key to resolving so many issues arising out of tech, and I'm cautiously optimistic this is a step forward.
@ballmatthew Matthew Ball on x
[image]
@florian4gamers Florian Mueller on x
When this case started, Epic didn't even want it to be decided by a jury. Google did. Then two things changed: - Epic saw that the judge in the Apple case got things wrong. - The spoliation-of-evidence (chat deletion) story was going to make Google look bad. 🧵1/2
@therikeys Riley Murdock on x
Holy crap. 2 years after losing to Apple, Epic straight up spanks Google
@elonmusk Elon Musk on x
@TimSweeneyEpic Congratulations!

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The jury in Epic v. Google finds that Google has monopoly power in the Android app distribution and in-app billing services markets; Google plans to appeal

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