From CNET: In a major blow to Fortnite maker Epic Games, the 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals has upheld a previous district court ruling stating that Apple didn't violate antitrust laws by forcing app developers to use the App Store's in-app payment system. The decision on Monday, however, did eke out a small win for Epic Games, as Apple was found to be in violation of California's Unfair Competition Law over its use of "anti-steering" language, which has prohibited app developers from linking out to third-party payment methods.
Epic Games' popular video game Fortnite was kicked off the App Store in 2020 when it prompted people to buy in-game items via an external site. This violated Apple's Developer Program Licensing Agreement. The expulsion launched an antitrust lawsuit where Epic Games claimed Apple held a monopoly on the App Store. Epic Games launched a similar suit against Google and its Play Store policies.
"Today's decision reaffirms Apple's resounding victory in this case, with nine of 10 claims having been decided in Apple's favor," an Apple spokesperson said in a statement. "For the second time in two years, a federal court has ruled that Apple abides by antitrust laws at the state and federal levels."
View: Full Article
