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Epic Games Appeals to Supreme Court in Legal Battle
Video game developer Epic Games has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to overturn a ruling that paused the enforcement of an injunction requiring Apple to change its App Store payment practices.
Epic Games, the maker of the popular video game “Fortnite,” has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to allow a lower court ruling against Apple to take effect. The ruling could force Apple to change payment practices in its App Store that require developers to use Apple's payment system and pay a 30% commission on in-app purchases.
Epic filed the request on Thursday, asking the Supreme Court to lift a July 17 decision by the San Francisco-based 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. The 9th Circuit's decision paused the enforcement of an injunction against Apple while the company pursues an appeal to the Supreme Court.
The injunction stems from Epic's 2020 antitrust lawsuit challenging Apple's App Store practices. In April, the 9th Circuit upheld a 2021 federal court order that could require Apple to allow developers to offer alternative payment options outside the App Store.
The trial judge found that Apple's rules banning developers from steering users to other payment options violate California's unfair competition laws. However, the judge said Apple's practices do not violate federal antitrust laws.
Apple told the 9th Circuit that the injunction should not take effect before the Supreme Court appeal, arguing it would have to change its business model before judicial review is complete. Apple said the injunction would limit its ability to protect users from fraud, scams and objectionable content.
Epic countered that the 9th Circuit's standard for pausing cases is too lenient. Epic said Apple should have to change its practices while pursuing the appeal.
Epic Games wants the Supreme Court to enforce an injunction against Apple over App Store practices
The injunction could make Apple allow alternative payment options outside its app store
A lower court found Apple's rules violate California competition laws but not federal antitrust law
Apple wants to pause the injunction during its Supreme Court appeal
Source: REUTERS