Epic Games Opposes Apple's Effort To Pause Antitrust Trial Orders

Epic Games Opposes Apple's Effort To Pause Antitrust Trial Orders

On Friday, Epic Games opposed Apple Inc (AAPL)'s efforts to pause orders handed down in an antitrust trial. Epic argued in a court filing that Apple had not met the legal standard for that pause, which requires Apple to show that it will be irreparably harmed by even temporarily complying with the order if the injunction is later reversed on appeal.

In September, U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers struck down some of the iPhone maker's App Store rules, including a prohibition on developers directing their users to other payment options besides Apple's in-app payment system. Epic Games had asked Apple to restore the Fortnite development account. 

In August, South Korean lawmakers passed a bill that effectively forbids tech giants from charging commissions on in-app purchases. Apple has appealed and asked for a stay on the injunction that would let app developers ask for payments to be made outside the tech giant's platform, where they are subjected to fees of 15% to 30%.

Until Dec 9, Apple has time to comply with the injunction, but earlier this month, the company said it would appeal the ruling and asked Gonzalez Rogers to put her order on hold as the appeals process unfolds, which could take more than a year.

"The public interest favors denying (Apple's request); an injunction is the only path to effective relief," Epic wrote. "History shows... that in the absence of an injunction, Apple will not make any changes."

© 2021 Benzinga.com. Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved.

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Bruce Powers 3 years ago Member's comment

Of course #Epic would object. But even if #Apple said it’ll allow in app hyperlinks on web payment, it will not help Epic. The Epic (aka Facebook/Epic) lawsuit against Apple is a show trial. Epic specifically and purposefully circumvented the App Store (and Play Store) rules to make a big media splash. It may be an overall media win for them (more people know the name Eoic) but Apple (and Google) had to ban them from their app stores. Otherwise every developer would be on notice you can go outside the rules but we’ll let you right back in. These App Store rules must be adhered to or damage is done. It’ll be years before Epic is back in the App Store, maybe longer. Apple has made clear that any consideration for allowing them back in will not be considered until all legal proceedings are complete. 2024? 2025?  $AAPL