Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to block parts of an injunction that would force sweeping changes to its Play Store, as it prepares to appeal its antitrust loss to “Fortnite” maker Epic Games.
In a filing submitted late Wednesday, Google argued that the lower court order is “unprecedented” and would cause reputational harm, safety and security risks, while putting it at a competitive disadvantage.
Epic sued Google in 2020, claiming it monopolized app distribution and in-app payments on Android devices in violation of U.S. antitrust law. A jury sided with Epic in 2023, and Judge James Donato issued an injunction requiring Google to:
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allow rival app stores inside the Play Store,
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make its app catalog available to competitors, and
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let developers add external links in apps so users can bypass Google’s billing system.
Google said the changes would affect over 100 million U.S. Android users and 500,000 developers, asking the Supreme Court to decide by October 17 whether to pause the order. The company plans to file its full appeal by October 27, setting up the possibility for the justices to review the case in their new term beginning October 6.
Epic dismissed Google’s arguments, saying it was using “flawed security claims” to maintain control over Android. “The court’s injunction should go into effect as ordered so consumers and developers can benefit from competition, choices and lower prices,” Epic said.
Earlier this year, the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upheld the injunction, noting evidence that Google’s conduct had entrenched its dominance. The full 9th Circuit later declined to revisit the case.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney praised the ruling, saying developers and users would benefit from more openness in the Android ecosystem.
Meanwhile, Google continues to face other lawsuits from regulators, consumers, and businesses over its search and advertising practices, further intensifying its antitrust battles.