Tim Cook and other Apple executives will testify against Epic in Fortnite trial

Tim Cook and other Apple executives will testify against Epic in Fortnite trial

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The case involves a dispute between the maker of one of the world’s most popular video games and the leading mobile device company over Apple’s control of its App Store. Epic sues Apple for alleged antitrust violations.

appeal (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook, Craig Federighi, software engineering chief, and Phil Schiller, co-founder of Apple, are some of the executives who can testify. Others include those who handle payment processing, the fight against fraud, and those who are involved in the development, policies and tools of the App Store.

“Our senior executives look forward to sharing with the court the very positive impact the App Store has had on innovation, economies around the world and the customer experience over the past twelve years. We are confident that the case will prove that “Epic deliberately breached its agreement” only to increase its revenue, which led to it being removed from the App Store, “Apple said in a statement. “By doing so, Epic has circumvented the security features of the App Store in a way that would lead to reduced competition and pose a huge risk to consumers’ privacy and data security.”

Epic Games’ plans are to call Tim Sweeney, founder and CEO, and other senior executives to testify on issues such as his business model, financial performance and his campaign against app stores. Epic declined to comment.

IPhone maker and creator of popular video game Fortnite has been embroiled in a legal battle since last year after Apple removed the Fortnite game from its App Store in August. The removal came after Epic sent a software update to the app that allowed players to bypass Apple’s own 30% app payment system – which is contractually prohibited. Google also removed Fortnite from its store.
Sweeney believes the requirement violates antitrust laws because it has forced developers to use Apple and Google’s payment systems. Epic then filed lawsuits against both technology companies after the store was removed, arguing that the courts should intervene and order Apple and Google to allow developers to sell in-app purchases without the 30% revenue cut .

The court request against Apple against Epic Games can start on May 3, according to court documents.

CNN’s Brian Fung and Shannon Liao contributed to this report.

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