Apple Wins Major Victory in Epic Games Lawsuit

In a major victory for Apple, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld the tech giant's App Store policies in a lawsuit brought by Epic Games. The court ruled 2-1 that Apple does not have a monopoly in the mobile gaming market, and that its policies do not violate federal antitrust law.

The lawsuit, which was filed in 2020, alleged that Apple's App Store policies are anti-competitive and stifle competition in the mobile gaming market. Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite, argued that Apple's 30% commission on in-app purchases is too high, and that its requirement that all apps be distributed through the App Store is anti-competitive.

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals rejected all of Epic Games' antitrust claims, with the exception of one. The court found that Apple's anti-steering provisions, which prohibit developers from directing users to third-party payment methods outside of the App Store, violate California's Unfair Competition Law.

The court's ruling is a major victory for Apple, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the mobile gaming market. The ruling gives Apple the green light to continue to charge a 30% commission on in-app purchases, and it also allows Apple to continue to require that all apps be distributed through the App Store.

The ruling is a setback for Epic Games, but the company has said that it plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court. The outcome of the appeal could have a major impact on the future of the mobile gaming market, and it is likely to be closely watched by both consumers and businesses.

Here are some of the key takeaways from the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals ruling:

• Apple does not have a monopoly in the mobile gaming market.

• Apple's App Store policies do not violate federal antitrust law.

• Apple's anti-steering provisions violate California's Unfair Competition Law.

• The ruling is a major victory for Apple, and it is likely to have a significant impact on the mobile gaming market.

• Epic Games has said that it plans to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court.