Google Loses Appeal in Antitrust Case Brought by Epic Games

Core Points - Google lost an appeal regarding an antitrust case that mandates changes to its app store, Google Play [1][4] - The appeals court unanimously rejected Google's argument that the trial judge made errors and that the case should have been heard by a judge instead of a jury [2] - The court found substantial evidence of Google's anticompetitive conduct, as alleged by Epic Games, which claimed Google monopolized app access and payment processes on Android devices [3] Legal Proceedings - A jury ruled in favor of Epic Games in 2023, leading to a judge's order for Google to allow rival app stores and make its app catalog available to competitors [4] - The ruling from the appeals court can be further appealed to a higher court, including the Supreme Court [4] Company Reactions - Google expressed concerns that the ruling would harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine innovation within the Android ecosystem [5] - Epic Games declared a "total victory" in the appeal, announcing plans to bring the Epic Games Store to the Google Play Store [5]