Category: Game Distribution Platforms
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Epic’s contempt motion against Apple went from slam dunk to second thoughts: more evidence may be needed
The first few days of the Epic Games v. Apple contempt hearing appeared to go perfectly for the game maker, but it’s now unclear whether Apple’s commission on external purchases will be deemed unlawful.
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Apple ready to provide clarification regarding Epic’s injunction, but contempt holding and appeal likely to happen regardless
Yesterday’s first (and only full) day of the three-day Epic Games v. Apple contempt hearing gave indications of the basic direction.
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Google vehemently objects to Epic’s proposed worldwide injunction, raises intellectual property issues like Apple
Google has raised 93 pages of objections to Epic Games’ proposed injunction, with more than 250 pages of supporting material.
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Judge believes Apple is violating Epic Games’ U.S. injunction, schedules evidentiary hearing before final decision
According to a U.S. federal judge, “Epic Games has made a sufficient preliminary showing that, viewed holistically, Apple’s practice changes undermine the spirit of the injunction by limiting competition, impeding the free flow of information, and constraining user choice.”
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Epic Games requests 14-page U.S. injunction against Google to strengthen alternative Android app distribution channels
Further to its December 2023 trial win, Epic Games has now proposed a permanent injunction that would comprehensively require Google to allow alternative Android app stores to compete on equal footing.
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European Commission launches 4th Apple compliance investigation in 2 weeks: Spotify antitrust matter
In addition to hitting Apple with two formal DMA non-compliance investigations and a preliminary one, the European Commission has now also launched an inquiry into Apple’s alleged non-compliance with last month’s Spotify antitrust ruling. The key issue is whether Apple may charge for links to external purchasing options.
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Apple rejects Spotify’s new app version, new rules render EU antitrust decision pointless by charging for IP and services
Apple announced new terms for music streaming apps in the EU in response to the European Commission’s decision further to complaints by Spotify and another music streaming company, Deezer. Effectively, the EU decision is of zero use now.
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Apple stresses right to charge for links in opposition to Meta, Microsoft, others—similar issues in EU Spotify and DMA enforcement
Apple filed its opposition to amicus curiae briefs submitted by various large tech and media companies in support of Epic Games’ motion to enforce a nationwide anti-anti-steering injunction under California Unfair Competition Law.
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In what directions could the EU Commission’s ‘other investigatory steps’ concerning alternative app distribution go?
The EU Commission announced five full-blown DMA compliance investigations on Monday, and additionally mentioned “other investigatory steps” concerning, among other things, Apple’s terms for alternative app stores and direct web installs. What could that inquiry relate to and what are the outcome-determinative issues?
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EU commissioner Breton repeats threat of ‘heavy fines’ for DMA breaches: sign of strength, impatience or desperation?
EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton repeatedly stresses the risk of heavy fines if gatekeepers fail to comply with the Digital Markets Act. That message increasingly risks being conterproductive.