After just some hours of deliberation, the jury unanimously answered sure to each query put earlier than them — that Google has monopoly energy within the Android app distribution markets and in-app billing companies markets, that Google did anticompetitive issues in these markets, and that Epic was injured by that conduct. They determined Google has an unlawful tie between its Google Play app retailer and its Google Play Billing cost companies, too, and that its distribution settlement, Challenge Hug offers with sport builders and offers with OEMs had been all anticompetitive.
Google affairs and public coverage vp Wilson White mentioned the corporate plans to enchantment the decision, and that “The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Retailer, in addition to app shops on Android units and gaming consoles.” You possibly can learn theirfull assertion additional down.
In a publish on its firm weblog, Epic Video games mentioned, “At this time’s verdict is a win for all app builders and customers world wide. It proves that Google’s app retailer practices are unlawful they usually abuse their monopoly to extract exorbitant charges, stifle competitors and cut back innovation.”
Thoughts you, we don’t know what Epic has really gained fairly but — that’s as much as Decide James Donato, who’ll determine what the suitable cures is likely to be. Epic by no means sued for financial damages; it needs the court docket to inform Google that each app developer has complete freedom to introduce its personal app shops and its personal billing techniques on Android, and we don’t but understand how and even whether or not the decide would possibly grant these needs. Each events will meet with Decide Donato within the second week of January to debate potential cures.
Decide Donato has already said that he’ll not grant Epic’s extra request for an anti-circumvention provision “simply to make certain Google can’t reintroduce the identical issues by means of some various artistic answer,” as Epic lead legal professional Gary Bornstein put it on November twenty eighth.
“We don’t do don’t-break-the-law injunctions… you probably have an issue, you possibly can come again,” Donato mentioned. He additionally mentioned he didn’t intend to determine what proportion payment Google ought to cost for its merchandise.
Though Epic didn’t sue for damages, Epic Video games CEO Tim Sweeney advised Epic stood to make lots of of hundreds of thousands and even billions of {dollars} if it doesn’t should pay Google’s payment.
Right here’s the finished verdict type that jurors needed to fill out in Epic v. Google:
Wilson White, Google VP, Authorities Affairs & Public Coverage:
We plan to problem the decision. Android and Google Play present extra alternative and openness than some other main cellular platform. The trial made clear that we compete fiercely with Apple and its App Retailer, in addition to app shops on Android units and gaming consoles. We are going to proceed to defend the Android enterprise mannequin and stay deeply dedicated to our customers, companions, and the broader Android ecosystem.”
Replace December eleventh, 8:45PM ET: Added statements from each Google and Epic Video games in addition to ultimate jury verdict.