Original story: Epic has expanded its ongoing legal battle against Apple and Google by filing new complaints in the UK.
The US company has filed a claim with the Competition Appeal Tribunal against each of the mobile platform holders, claiming that both ‘abused’ [their] a ‘dominant position’ in the market and ‘involved in anti-competitive agreements / joint practices’ in the United Kingdom and the EU
The two applications against Apple and Google are the final step in Epic Games’ campaign to restore Fortnite in app stores and change the operation of mobile ecosystems.
The supporters were lodged on December 8 and 29, respectively, but were only announced by the Tribunal this week.
Back in August, Epic Games added direct-payment options to Fortnite on mobile devices, avoiding the 30% commission required by both Apple and Google as part of their developer agreements.
Both companies removed Fortnite from their marketplaces, to which Epic responded with antitrust lawsuits.
Now the firm is appealing to the Competition Appeal Tribunal to rule that the removal of Fortnite from these stores was illegal, as well as certain provisions in their developer agreements.
Epic Games also wants Fortnite to be restored in both stores, and for users to be offered the option of direct payments.
The documentation largely agrees, but there are some variations in Epic’s requests, based on the differences between the operation of the two markets.
In the case of Apple, Epic wants an order that the company may prevent from restricting the download of the Epic Games Store to any Apple device in the UK, and an order requiring Apple to lift the requirement that all software must be downloaded and all payments must be handled. the App Store.
Meanwhile, Epic is asking the Tribunal to order Google to stop imposing the pre-installation of Google Play on all Android devices in the UK and is demanding that phone makers prefer this store over others.
It also wants Google to prevent manufacturers from entering into agreements with Epic over the pre-installation of the Epic Games Store.
No damages or financial relief if submitted, but a further or other legal aid that the Tribunal thinks well. ‘
Back in November, a judge rejected Apple’s allegations that Epic was guilty of theft as part of this dispute, saying instead that the fight should focus on breach of contract and antitrust claims.
Later that month, Apple reduced the commission for free on sales and in-app purchases to 15% for developers earning less than $ 1 million a year.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney responded that his business is not fighting for a lower commission, but for fair competition between mobile platform businesses, stores and payment processors. ‘
The trial between Epic and Apple will take place in May. Epic proposed a trial in February against Google, which the internet giant tried to push back until October – something the judge rejected.
The judge overseeing the Epic vs Apple case warned that the ruling could have “serious consequences” for Nintendo, PlayStation and Xbox, which also operate “walled garden” ecosystems.
Update:GamesIndustry.biz received a statement from Epic Games adding that he would make his case before the Tribunal on 21 January.
“We believe this is a key argument to be made on behalf of consumers and developers in the UK and around the world affected by Apple and Google’s abuse of market power,” said Tera Randall, VP of Communications and Policy. .
“Epic does not claim damages from Apple or Google in the UK, Australia or the US, but merely seeks fair access and competition that will benefit all consumers.”
Update 2: Apple also has a statement to GamesIndustry.biz, in which the company stated:
?? The App Store has been helping developers turn their brightest ideas into world-changing apps for twelve years. Our priority has always been to provide customers with a safe and reliable place to download software and to apply the rules equally to all developers. Epic was one of the most successful developers in the App Store, and has grown into a multi-million dollar enterprise that reaches millions of iOS customers around the world, including the United Kingdom.
“In a way that a reviewer described as misleading and clandestine, Epic activated a feature in its app that was not reviewed or approved by Apple, and they did so with the express intent of following the App Store guidelines. violate what applies to every developer and protection.Their reckless behavior has made customers customers, and we look forward to making it clear to courts in the UK. ??