Will Google Lose Control of the Play Store? Appeals Court Reviews Verdict

Google is challenging a recent court ruling that could force big changes to its Play Store. The company is asking a U.S. appeals court to overturn the decision in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. The case involves accusations that Google has unfairly controlled how Android users download and pay for apps.

In 2020, Epic Games, known for creating Fortnite, filed a lawsuit against Google. Epic accused Google of monopolizing the Android app market. A jury in San Francisco agreed with Epic in 2023, saying Google’s actions hurt competition.

Following the verdict, U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Google to allow other app stores to operate within the Play Store and to share its app catalog with competitors. However, this order is currently on hold while the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals reviews the case.

Google argues that the judge made mistakes and claims the decision unfairly benefited Epic. Jessica Ellsworth, Google’s attorney, told the appeals court that Google’s Play Store competes with Apple’s App Store. She argued that the judge’s decision didn’t allow Google to present its side fairly.

Epic’s lawyer, Gary Bornstein, supported the ruling. He said the Android app market has suffered from anti-competitive behavior for years. He also argued that the changes Google is required to make would improve competition without harming users’ security or privacy.

Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission have all backed Epic’s position in the case.

The 9th Circuit is expected to issue its decision later this year. If needed, the ruling could be appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court.