Core Viewpoint - Google is seeking to pause a lower court's ruling that mandates changes to its app store policies, claiming that these changes would cause "irreparable harm" to its Android ecosystem [1]. Group 1: Legal Context - The lower court's ruling, stemming from an antitrust case filed by Epic Games, requires Google Play store to eliminate restrictions that prevent developers from establishing their own marketplaces and billing systems [2]. - The order from the lower court is scheduled to take effect on October 22 [2]. - A jury found in December 2023 that Google holds a monopoly in the Android app distribution and payments market [4]. Group 2: Implications of the Ruling - The ruling would prohibit Google from paying developers for exclusive use of its app store, prevent it from stopping developers from informing consumers about direct app downloads, and require it to allow rival app stores access to its catalog [5]. - Google argued that the ruling would significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine innovation within the Android ecosystem [7]. Group 3: Company Response - Google has sought to overturn the ruling but lost an appeal in July [5]. - The company contended that it was unfairly restricted from informing a jury about its competition with Apple's App Store and argued that the case should have been adjudicated by a judge instead of a jury [6].

Core Insights - Paramount Skydance has appointed Makan Delrahim as the new Chief Legal Officer, effective October 6, overseeing legal, regulatory, compliance, and public policy matters [1] - Stephanie Kyoko McKinnon will continue as General Counsel and report to Delrahim [2] - Delrahim previously served as the head of the U.S. Department of Justice's antitrust unit and is known for his role in opposing the AT&T-Time Warner merger [3] Company Overview - Delrahim joins Paramount from Latham & Watkins LLP, where he was a partner and provided legal counsel during the Paramount merger process [4] - David Ellison, chairman and CEO of Paramount, expressed enthusiasm about Delrahim's appointment, highlighting his strategic mindset and experience in navigating complex challenges [5] - Delrahim emphasized the dynamic and transformative nature of the media industry, noting the convergence of business, technology, and culture [6]

Core Insights - Paramount Skydance Corporation has appointed Makan Delrahim as Chief Legal Officer, effective October 6, 2025, to oversee legal, regulatory, compliance, and public policy matters [1][2][3] Group 1: Appointment and Role - Makan Delrahim will manage Paramount's Government Relations team and bring extensive experience from his previous role as Assistant Attorney General overseeing the U.S. Department of Justice's Antitrust Division [1][2][3] - Delrahim's background includes advising on high-profile transactions and complex litigation at Latham & Watkins LLP, where he provided legal counsel during the M&A process leading to Paramount's acquisition [2][4] Group 2: Leadership Perspective - David Ellison, Chairman and CEO of Paramount, expressed enthusiasm for Delrahim's appointment, highlighting his strategic mindset and experience in navigating complex challenges as vital for Paramount's future [3] - Delrahim emphasized the dynamic nature of the media industry and his commitment to contributing to Paramount's leadership team during this transformative period [3] Group 3: Delrahim's Background - Delrahim has a distinguished career in antitrust law, having overseen numerous mergers and acquisitions and led initiatives for international antitrust cooperation during his tenure at the DOJ [5][6] - His previous roles include senior positions in various governmental agencies, showcasing his extensive experience in law and policy [6][7] Group 4: Company Overview - Paramount, a Skydance Corporation, is a leading global media and entertainment company with segments in Filmed Entertainment, Direct-to-Consumer, and TV Media, housing renowned brands such as Paramount Pictures and CBS [8]

Core Points - Amazon.com, Inc. has agreed to a $2.5 billion settlement over allegations of misleading consumers regarding its Prime subscription service and making cancellation difficult [1] - The settlement follows a 2023 Federal Trade Commission lawsuit that questioned Amazon's consumer treatment and its claims of being consumer-focused [1] Settlement Details - The settlement includes $1 billion in fines and $1.5 billion in compensation for customers, with eligible users expected to receive approximately $51 each [7] - About 200 million Americans use Prime, which generated over $44 billion in revenue in 2024, indicating the significance of Prime members as Amazon's most valuable customers [2] FTC's Broader Agenda - The FTC, led by Chair Andrew Ferguson, is focused on challenging major tech firms for anti-competitive practices and consumer harm, including ongoing antitrust cases against Amazon and Meta [3] - The settlement aligns with the FTC's consumer-first approach, aiming to restore fairness in the marketplace [3] Direct Customer Relief - Within 90 days, Amazon will pay $51 to shoppers who meet the FTC's criteria, including those who enrolled but did not utilize Prime benefits [4] - Customers who believe they were misled into joining or faced difficulties in canceling will receive information on how to file claims [4] Amazon's Statement - Amazon stated that it has always followed the law and views the settlement as a way to move forward and focus on innovation for customers [5] - The company emphasized its efforts to make the sign-up and cancellation processes clear and simple for customers [6] Stock Performance - Following the announcement, Amazon's stock was down 0.65% at $218.77 [6]

Core Insights - SAP is under formal investigation by the European Commission regarding its maintenance and support services for ERP software, with concerns that these practices may restrict competition in the market [5][4] - The investigation highlights long-standing issues noted by tech executives, particularly regarding SAP's push towards subscription-based cloud products [3] Investigation Details - The European Commission is examining four specific practices by SAP that may hinder competition in the aftermarket for maintenance and support services [4] - The practices under scrutiny include: - Requiring customers to obtain maintenance and support services directly from SAP, limiting their ability to choose from various suppliers [6] - Preventing customers from terminating maintenance and support for unused software licenses, leading to unnecessary costs [6] - Regularly extending the duration of initial on-premises ERP licenses, complicating the cancellation of maintenance and support services [6] - Imposing reinstatement and back-maintenance fees on customers who resume services after a lapse [6] Company Response - SAP has stated that it does not expect the investigation to materially impact its financial performance and is cooperating with the European Commission to address the concerns raised [5]

Core Viewpoint - The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into SAP, focusing on concerns that the company's practices may have distorted competition in the software market, particularly regarding its Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solutions [3][4][6]. Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation is centered on four specific practices of SAP, including the restriction on customers' ability to terminate maintenance and support services for unused software licenses, potentially leading to unnecessary costs for customers [6][7]. - The EU's antitrust chief, Teresa Ribera, expressed concerns that SAP's practices may limit competition, resulting in fewer choices and higher costs for European customers [4][6]. Group 2: Company Response and Implications - SAP has stated that it believes its actions comply with competition rules and is working closely with the EU Commission to address the raised issues, aiming for a swift resolution [4][5]. - The company faces the risk of a fine of up to 10% of its global annual turnover if found in violation of EU competition laws [5].

Core Viewpoint - The European Commission has initiated an antitrust investigation into SAP, focusing on potential competition distortion in software support services [1][2] Group 1: Investigation Details - The investigation will evaluate whether SAP has distorted competition in the aftermarket for maintenance and support services related to its on-premises software [1] - SAP has stated that it believes its policies and actions comply with EU competition rules [1] Group 2: Company Response and Market Impact - SAP is taking the issues raised seriously and is collaborating with the EU Commission to address them [2] - The company does not expect the engagement with the European Commission to have a material impact on its financial performance [2] - SAP's market capitalization is approximately 282 billion euros ($331 billion), and its shares fell by 1.4% on the day of the announcement [2]

Apple has asked European Union antitrust watchdogs to scrap regulations intended to protect digital consumers https://t.co/D8qF4UDtLE ...

Core Viewpoint - A US judge recently ruled against breaking up Google, despite previous findings of its monopoly in the online search market, amidst ongoing antitrust investigations involving major tech companies in both the EU and the US [1][2]. Antitrust Investigations - There are over 45 ongoing antitrust investigations targeting major tech companies, including Google, Microsoft, Apple, Amazon, and Meta, primarily under the EU Digital Markets Act and US competition laws [1][2]. - Investigations focus on both longstanding competition legislation and newer issues that have arisen in recent years [3][4]. Google Specifics - In August, US Judge Amit Mehta decided against ordering a breakup of Google or forcing the sale of its Chrome browser, instead imposing other commitments on the company [5]. - The European Commission fined Google €2.95 billion in September 2025 for favoring its own advertising services over competitors [6]. Other Tech Companies - Microsoft, Apple, and Meta are also under investigation, with Microsoft facing scrutiny for tying its Teams software to its Office 365 suite, initiated by a complaint from Slack [10]. - Apple was fined €500 million for breaching the Digital Markets Act by restricting app developers from directing users to cheaper deals outside its app store [12]. - Meta was fined €200 million for its "pay-or-consent" advertising model, which was found to breach the Digital Markets Act [14]. Regulatory Implications - The European Commission can impose fines up to 10% of a company's total worldwide turnover for non-compliance, with potential increases for repeated infringements [15]. - Companies may need to alter their business practices significantly to avoid hefty fines and restrictions, impacting their profitability [8][9]. User Experience Changes - Users may experience changes in how they interact with services, such as reduced linking in Google Maps due to perceptions of dominance in the search market [17]. - The expectation is that big tech companies will face more constraints in their business models, particularly regarding market competition [18].

Core Viewpoint - VoIP-Pal.com Inc. has filed two amended antitrust lawsuits against major tech companies, alleging unlawful tying of Wi-Fi Calling to cellular bundles, which restricts competition and inflates profits for the defendants [1][2]. Group 1: Lawsuits and Allegations - The company now has four active antitrust lawsuits against Apple, Google, Samsung, AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile, claiming violations of Sherman Act § 2 [1][2]. - The lawsuits assert that the defendants are using a "no bundle, no native" rule to lock out competition and maintain high profits, with the cases pending in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia [2][4]. Group 2: Market Impact - Over 373 million U.S. mobile subscribers are affected, as they must purchase bundled services to access native Wi-Fi Calling, leading to inflated monthly costs for families [4]. - A family of four may pay approximately $220 per month under the current structure, while a potential stand-alone alternative could cost as low as $20 per month [4]. Group 3: Company Position and Goals - Emil Malak, CEO of VoIP-Pal, emphasizes the need for consumer choice and fairness, stating that families should not have to pay for bundled services unnecessarily [5][6]. - The company has secured over 40 patented technologies in the VoIP field since 2005 and aims to monetize these innovations while advocating for consumer rights [5][7].