Apple-Epic Games: US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Appel
10. August 2023Apple-Epic Games: US Supreme Court ruled in favor of Appel
New York, 10l8.2023
On Wednesday, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that Apple can maintain its current „App Store“ payment rules during its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The court, represented by Judge Elena Kagan, denied Epic’s appeal against Apple, leaving the rules in place for now.
Under these rules, Apple claims a discount of up to 30% on App Store and in-app transactions. Epic Games, known for „Fortnite“, had accused Apple of monopolistic practices in an antitrust lawsuit in 2020. While the antitrust lawsuits were dismissed, a judge ruled that Apple cannot stop app developers from directing users to alternative payment methods outside of the App Store.
The 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals found that Apple violated a California competition law by restricting developer communications through alternative payment options such as those through the Epic Games Store. However, the court temporarily overruled the ruling in July, giving Apple time to appeal to the Supreme Court.
Epic asked the Supreme Court to overturn that decision, saying a delay would harm the company and developers.
Kagan denied this request without giving an explanation. The Court of Appeals ruling against Apple will still take effect if the Supreme Court refuses to hear the case.
