Last Thursday, the next court hearing took place as part of the ongoing proceedings between Epic Games and Google. After hearing arguments from both sides, Judge James Donato ordered Google to provide by June 24 an estimate of the costs needed to implement the Play Store reform requested by Epic Games.
Background and Recent Developments
Last year, Epic Games won a court ruling that Google was abusing its dominant position in the Android app distribution market to stifle competition. In April of this year, Epic Games demanded that the court oblige Google to make several changes in the operation of the Play Store app store to eliminate anti-competitive practices. These changes include abandoning the ban on downloading applications from other sources, allowing other stores to access the Google store catalog without additional fees, and allowing developers to inform users about better payment methods outside the Play Store. Epic Games also proposed limiting Google’s ability to enter into agreements with device manufacturers that prohibit pre-installation of competing app stores, adds NIXSOLUTIONS.
Upcoming Deadlines and Hearings
According to the court order, by June 24, 2024, Google must provide a certificate detailing the required technical work and economic costs, if any, to provide catalog access and port libraries of competing app stores for up to six years. This also includes the distribution of third-party store customers’ applications via the Google Play Store. Epic will have the opportunity to question experts and Google representatives about their assessments and present their arguments before the final hearing, which will take place on August 14.
We’ll keep you updated as more information becomes available and as the case progresses through the courts.