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Google and Epic Ask Court to Approve Play Store Settlement With Android Reforms

The joint filing asks Judge James Donato to approve reforms that open distribution and cap service fees.

Overview

  • Google and Epic submitted a joint motion in federal court to resolve Epic’s 2020 antitrust case over Android app distribution and in‑app purchases.
  • The proposal would enable easier installation of qualified third‑party app stores that meet new security and safety standards.
  • Developers could steer users to alternative payment options inside apps and via external links, with capped Google service fees of 9% or 20% for such transactions in Play‑distributed apps.
  • Many of the proposed remedies would remain in effect until 2032 if the court approves the settlement.
  • A hearing with Judge James Donato is expected this week, following a 2023 jury win for Epic and an injunction that was upheld on appeal and left in place by the U.S. Supreme Court.