Google Appeals Antitrust Verdict Over Play Store Monopoly Claims

The tech giant argues legal errors in the 2023 trial unfairly favored Epic Games, while judges question Google's defense.

Google is appealing a jury verdict that found its Play Store to be an illegal monopoly, following a 2023 trial initiated by Epic Games.
Epic Games accused Google of suppressing competition in the Android app market through restrictive policies and high commissions on in-app purchases.
Google claims the trial judge improperly defined the market and argues it faces competition from Apple's App Store, but judges highlighted key differences between the ecosystems.
U.S. District Judge James Donato previously ordered Google to allow rival app stores within the Play Store and to open its app catalog to competitors, though the order is on hold pending appeal.
The U.S. Justice Department, Federal Trade Commission, and Microsoft have filed briefs supporting Epic Games, emphasizing the need for market competition.