Google's Android app store monopoly violates antitrust law, jury rules

Enlarge / Artists design of Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney jump For joy has news of THE verdict. Epic Games

While Epic antitrust arguments against Google had a lot similarities has those In THE the society earlier case against Apple, THE verdicts could not to have has been more different. A federal jury took only A little hours of deliberation Monday afternoon has determine that Google had A illegal monopoly In THE markets For Android application distribution And in the app billing services.

THE jury unanimously answered "Yes" has all 11 questions on THE verdict form, indicating that Epic had proven those monopolies existed In each global walk except For China. Google "engaged In anti-competitive to drive" has establish Or maintain THE monopoly And illegally related THE Google Play store has THE to use of Google Play billing, according to has THE verdict. THE jury Also agreed with Epic arguments that programs as "Project Cuddly" And Agreements sign with Android phone OEM represented A "unreasonable detention on trade," harm Epic In THE process.

With THE verdict together, WE. District Judge James Donato will socket audiences following month has determine THE best path has remedy Google anti-competitive monopoly power. During THE trial, Epic did not ask For monetary damage, but did ask that he And other developers be able has introduce their own Android application stores And to use their own billing systems on Android devices "without restriction."

THE verdict came After closing arguments Or Epic lawyer Gary Bornstein argued that Google Actions "directed has upper prices For developers And consumers, as GOOD as less innovation And quality." In It is own closing arguments, Google lawyer Jonathan Kravis said that THE Android Creator East Effectively constrained In THE mobile application walk by Apple, And that "Android Telephone(s) can't compete against THE iPhone without A great application store on them."

"Today verdict East A earn For all application developers And consumers around THE world. He prove that that of Google application store practices are illegal And they abuse their monopoly has extract exorbitant costs, to choke competition And reduce innovation," Epic said In A statement job has It is website. "THE evidence present In This case demonstrates THE urgent need For legislation And regulations that address Apple And Google strangulation on smartphones, including with promising legislation In progress RIGHT NOW with THE Digital The steps, Competition And Consumer Bill In THE UNITED KINGDOM And THE Digital Markets Act In THE EU."

Google Government Business & Public Policy Vice-president Wilson White said In A statement provided has press that THE business would be challenge THE verdict, And that Android And Google Play "provide more choice And opening that any of them other major mobile platform. THE trial do clear that We compete violently with Apple And It is Application Store, as GOOD as application stores on Android devices And game consoles. We will continue has defend THE Android business model And stay deeply engaged has OUR users, the partners, And THE wider Android ecosystem. »

A long road