Category: Uncategorized
-
Apple responds to Epic’s enforcement motion, says it already announced in October 2021 it would charge for links
Context: Last month, Epic Games brought a previously announced contempt-of-court motion against Apple over the latter’s alleged non-compliance with an anti-anti-steering injunction under California Unfair Competition Law (March 13, 2024 games fray article). Epic received support from amici curiae including Meta, Microsoft, X, Match Group, Spotify, and Digital Content Next (Disney and others). Apple asked…
-
EU Apple investigation aims to promote more choice between WebKit, WebKit and WebKit —cosmetics or opening salvo?
The scope of the European Commission’s browser choice investigation is limited. Instead of tackling the issue of how to enable browsers with alternative engines to compete, it focuses on (non-)choice.
-
Some arguments are stronger than others for Apple’s €0.50 per-install-per-year fee being illegal under the DMA
Context: Apple has announced it will soon allow web installs of some (not all) apps beyond the storefronts of alternative app stores (March 12, 2024 games fray article). The per-install per-year Core Technology Fee (CTF) of €0.50 will then also apply to some (still not all) apps installed from the web (beyond alternative app stores…
-
Apple modifies EU terms to complicate DMA enforcement, allowing web installs but still not enabling true competition
Context: In January, Apple announced a set of new EU app distribution terms with a view to the bloc’s Digital Markets Act. Initially, Apple did not allow direct web installs (January 26, 2024 games fray article). Various details of Apple’s DMA compliance strategy have been in flux. Apple re-enabled home-screen web apps (March 1, 2024…
-
App Store critics should shoot down Apple patents to prove “Junk Fees” allegation, win regulatory-political end game
Apple charges €0.50 per install per year if apps are installed by alternative app stores in the EU. Intellectual property valuation is necessary to challenge that fee, and it begins with narrowing the list of IP that has to be valued at all.
-
Apple critics, EU Commission will get value out of March 18 workshop only if they recognize DMA limitations
This article explains what the European Commission’s Digital Markets Act enforcers and the private parties who will complain about Apple’s EU-specific app rules have to do to get value of the event. It all starts with a sense of realism.
-
Sony supporting FTC’s ultra-long shot to undo ABK deal
Instead of mending fences with Microsoft, Sony is still opposing the already-consummated acquisition of Activision Blizzard King. A Microsoft filing indicates Sony is trying to support the FTC’s continuing litigation over the acquisition.
-
games fray sees the light of day
games fray goes live, simultaneously with two other websites (ai fray and ip fray). Readers will find a mix of quick summaries and deep analysis.