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Google found guilty of unlawfully monopolizing app stores and payment systems

Haebom
The years-long legal dispute between global game developer Epic Games and Google has finally come to a close. The key takeaway from this trial is that Google's app store and payment system were found to be illegal monopolies. This verdict marks a win for Epic Games and brings significant results for both app developers and consumers.
Court Decision:
FINAL JURY INSTRUCTIONS FOR EPIC TRIAL.pdf245.99KB
According to the decision, the jury determined that Google held monopoly power in both the Android app distribution and in-app payment service markets, and abused that power. Google's unlawful tying of its app store to its payment services was deemed as restricting competition and hindering innovation.
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Epic Games' argument: Epic Games asserted that Google's conduct caused them damages, and this served as important evidence of the app store's unfair practices. Through the trial, Epic Games demanded legal action be taken against Google.
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Google's response: Google announced plans to appeal the decision, maintaining that it faces tough competition from Apple, other Android-based app stores, and game consoles. Google repeatedly stressed its app store policies are aimed at protecting users, enhancing security, and offering high-quality service, insisting that it is competition—not monopoly—but this argument was ultimately not accepted by the court.
This ruling is expected to have a significant impact on the app development market. Epic Games is calling for freedom for all app developers to introduce their own app stores and payment systems. Since Epic is also fighting a similar case against Apple, if this verdict leads to a similar outcome, it could bring about major changes to the app store market.
This case goes beyond a courtroom battle; it has sparked vital conversations about competition, innovation, and corporate monopoly in the digital era. This judgment is likely to heavily influence the future of the app marketplace—and its outcome will carry major significance for both app developers and consumers.
Now that apps can be distributed outside the app store and payments can be handled independently, it will be impossible to enforce pricing differences or mandatory payment methods by OS, opening up new markets. This is especially meaningful for games, since mobile games have been paying over 30% in commissions, so this verdict could have even bigger implications for the industry.
The battle with Apple is also unfolding in Korean courts, and if you watch the video below, you'll find a fun and clear summary of the situation.
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