The Federal Trade Commission also entered the case, urging the court to reject Google’s concerns and impose robust remedies restoring app distribution market competition.
Epic’s battle against Google is part of a larger effort challenging major tech companies’ app store practices. In August 2020, Epic similarly sued Apple after offering Fortnite players direct payment, bypassing Apple fees. In that case, a California court ruled Apple didn’t violate federal antitrust law but its external payment option restrictions broke California’s Unfair Competition Law.
Epic’s legal challenges have drawn worldwide attention to app store policies. Apple and Google have both started complying with new European regulations requiring alternative app stores and payment options. The European Commission also pressured Apple to implement further changes regarding restrictive app store practices.
Epic Games maintains counsel consisting of the esteemed law firms Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP and Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. Google defends itself with representation from the top-tier legal groups Munger, Tolles & Olson LLP, Morgan Lewis & Bockius LLP, and international force Hogan Lovells.
