Law.com Subscribers SAVE 30%

Call 855-808-4530 or email [email protected] to receive your discount on a new subscription.

Judge's Ruling in Epic Games/Apple App Store Battle

By ssalkin
November 01, 2020

Entertainment consumer icon Fortnite's pathway back to the App Store is in the hands of the video game developer, a California federal judge decided in the closely watched legal battle over the distribution of app content. Epic Games v. Apple Inc., 4:20-cv-05640. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the Northern District of California found that "too many unknowns remain" to grant Epic Games' motion for a preliminary injunction forcing Apple to return its products to its App Store. However, District Judge Rogers did enjoin Apple from suspending Epic's affiliates from its developer program and tools.

In August 2020, Apple and Google removed Epic's offerings from its app marketplaces after the gaming company violated their developer licensing agreements by adding an alternative payment option for Fortnite's in-app purchases. Epic's attorneys from Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath and Cravath, Swaine & Moore filed complaints against the tech giants, arguing that Epic's banishment from the stores was just the latest example of Apple and Google's anticompetitive behavior in the app distribution and in-app payment processing markets.

District Judge Rogers heard Epic Games' argument for a preliminary injunction in a Zoom hearing in September. Judge Rogers said Epic's counsel seemed to have entirely ignored the video game market in its motion for preliminary injunction, sidestepping mobile alternatives such as the Nintendo Switch.

This premium content is locked for Entertainment Law & Finance subscribers only

  • Stay current on the latest information, rulings, regulations, and trends
  • Includes practical, must-have information on copyrights, royalties, AI, and more
  • Tap into expert guidance from top entertainment lawyers and experts

For enterprise-wide or corporate acess, please contact Customer Service at [email protected] or 877-256-2473

Read These Next
How Secure Is the AI System Your Law Firm Is Using? Image

In a profession where confidentiality is paramount, failing to address AI security concerns could have disastrous consequences. It is vital that law firms and those in related industries ask the right questions about AI security to protect their clients and their reputation.

COVID-19 and Lease Negotiations: Early Termination Provisions Image

During the COVID-19 pandemic, some tenants were able to negotiate termination agreements with their landlords. But even though a landlord may agree to terminate a lease to regain control of a defaulting tenant's space without costly and lengthy litigation, typically a defaulting tenant that otherwise has no contractual right to terminate its lease will be in a much weaker bargaining position with respect to the conditions for termination.

Pleading Importation: ITC Decisions Highlight Need for Adequate Evidentiary Support Image

The International Trade Commission is empowered to block the importation into the United States of products that infringe U.S. intellectual property rights, In the past, the ITC generally instituted investigations without questioning the importation allegations in the complaint, however in several recent cases, the ITC declined to institute an investigation as to certain proposed respondents due to inadequate pleading of importation.

The Power of Your Inner Circle: Turning Friends and Social Contacts Into Business Allies Image

Practical strategies to explore doing business with friends and social contacts in a way that respects relationships and maximizes opportunities.

Authentic Communications Today Increase Success for Value-Driven Clients Image

As the relationship between in-house and outside counsel continues to evolve, lawyers must continue to foster a client-first mindset, offer business-focused solutions, and embrace technology that helps deliver work faster and more efficiently.