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In a recent legal maneuver, Google, according to court documents filed late Thursday, has petitioned to reverse a jury decision that concluded the company had exercised monopolistic practices within its Play Store.
Reuters reported that the tech behemoth's legal request implores U.S. District Judge James Donato in San Francisco to either grant a new trial or deliver a ruling favorable to Google in the ongoing antitrust legal battle initiated by Epic Games.
Google Challenges Verdict's Foundation
The filing reveals that Google contends Epic Games failed to provide sufficient proof to underpin the jury's December finding, which declared Google's restrictive control over its Play Store anti-competitive. Moreover, Google insists on its vigorous competition with rival Apple in the mobile app sphere, asserting that Epic should not have been permitted to claim the contrary.
The Path to Reforming Play Store
Initiating litigation in 2020, Epic Games targeted Google's contentious app transaction fees and the mechanisms governing app distribution. While not seeking monetary reparations, Epic Games' lawsuit is geared towards compelling alterations to the Play Store's operational framework.
The Hindu reported that Epic Games anticipates soliciting a directive from Judge Donato to restructure Play, aligning it with the jury's conclusions. Epic, headquartered in Cary, North Carolina, did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
If Judge Donato dismisses the motion for a retrial, Google stands prepared to contest the December verdict before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. Ahead of the trial against Epic Games, Google concluded ancillary claims stemming from consumers and states with a $700 million settlement, conceding to measures that promise increased competitive conditions.
Parallel to Google's legal strife, Epic Games has also engaged Apple in a separate lawsuit regarding App Store regulations. Apple largely emerged victorious from the 2021 legal proceedings. However, it was mandated to implement certain modifications to its storefront. Epic Games announced plans to seek judicial enforcement again, citing Apple's non-compliance.
In defense of its stance, Google argued that the outcome of Epic's previous lawsuit against Apple should have been admissible information during its litigation.
Photo: Joshua Hoehne/Unsplash
