Apple Requests Supreme Court to Overturn Judge’s Order in Legal Battle with Epic Games
Apple has asked the Supreme Court to reverse a judge’s order in its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games.
The Background
The antitrust lawsuit filed by Epic Games against Apple began in August 2020. Epic introduced a direct payment option in its popular game Fortnite to bypass Apple’s 30% platform fees, resulting in the game’s removal from the App Store.
Apple’s Prevailing Position
Apple has largely been successful in the lawsuit so far. In April, the US Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals upheld a lower-court judge’s ruling, dismissing most of Epic’s claims of Apple violating federal law by monopolizing the iOS platform.
However, the appeals court did agree with a ruling that prevents Apple from restricting developers from including links or buttons that direct users to alternative payment options outside of the App Store. This could potentially reduce Apple’s sales commissions.
Recent Developments
Last week, the Ninth Circuit rejected petitions from both Apple and Epic Games to reconsider its April decision, according to Reuters.
Why Apple is Appealing
In its request to the Supreme Court, Apple’s attorneys argue that the Ninth Circuit exceeded its authority by issuing a nationwide injunction.
Apple states, “The district court issued a broad injunction that prevents Apple from enforcing its anti-steering rules against all iOS app developers in the United States. This ruling was made even though Epic Games, the sole plaintiff, did not seek or obtain class certification and failed to prove the necessity of an injunction benefiting non-parties.”
Possible Next Steps
Epic Games also has the option to request the Supreme Court to review its appeal.
