Apple vs. Epic Games appeal court ruling ``Do not ban links to external payment systems on the App Store,'' but Apple wins in most cases



Epic Games, the developer of the popular game ' Fort Knight ', and Apple disputed in-app purchases and antitrust law, ``Apple should allow App Store apps to direct to external payment options'' (PDF file) was handed down on April 24, 2023. However, Apple's claims were accepted in 9 out of 10 claims, resulting in Apple winning the antitrust law claim.

Apple cannot ban links to outside App Store payments, US appeals court says | Reuters
https://www.reuters.com/legal/us-appeals-court-upholds-lower-court-order-forcing-apple-allow-third-party-app-2023-04-24/



Apple declares victory after decision reached in Epic Games appeal
https://www.cnbc.com/2023/04/24/apple-declares-victory-after-decision-reached-in-epic-games-appeal-.html

Apple's App Store can stay closed, but developers can link to outside payments, says appeals court - The Verge
https://www.theverge.com/2023/4/24/23696245/apple-appeal-epic-games-lawsuit-antitrust

The App Store, an app store for iOS, has a mechanism that collects 30% of sales such as app billing as a fee, and developers have been complaining that the fee is too high. Meanwhile, Epic Games planned to implement a new payment method called 'EPIC direct payment' in August 2020 to avoid the fees collected by the App Store payment system.

On the other hand, Apple, which does not allow in-app purchases that do not go through the App Store, has removed 'Fort Knight' from the App Store as a violation of the terms. In response, Epic Games filed a lawsuit, and since 2020, the legal battle between Epic Games and Apple has continued.

'Fort Knight' developer Epic Games sues Apple - GIGAZINE



In September 2021 , a ruling was issued ordering Apple to ``accept payment options other than those provided by Apple in apps provided on the App Store.'' However, Epic Games' claim that collecting a 30% fee on the App Store itself is not illegal, and that Apple's rules on the App Store violate antitrust laws cannot be accepted. I did.

Epic Games has appealed the September 2021 ruling, and Apple has also appealed the order to 'allow third-party payment systems in the App Store.'

Epic Games appeals against judgment in lawsuit with Apple - GIGAZINE



Since then, the legal battle between the two companies has continued, but on April 24, 2023, local time, the United States Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit issued an appeals decision. The appeals court upheld a 2021 order to 'allow apps distributed on the App Store to provide links to third-party payment systems,' but Apple's decision to comply with antitrust laws in the App Store was upheld. No allegations of non-compliance were found.

In a statement to the media, Marni Goldberg, an Apple spokeswoman, said: 'Today's verdict ruled in favor of Apple in nine out of 10 claims, renewing Apple's sweeping victory in the litigation. The second federal court ruling in two years demonstrates Apple's compliance with antitrust laws at the state and federal levels, and the App Store promotes competition and fosters innovation. We are proud to continue to promote and expand opportunities, and to contribute deeply to both users and developers around the world, ”said the appeals court, claiming that Apple had won.

``We respectfully disagree with the court's ruling on one remaining claim under state law and are considering further reviews,'' the statement said. Expressing dissatisfaction with orders to allow apps to be directed to external payment systems. He suggested that the lawsuit could continue.

Overseas media Reuters said, ``Apple has not stated whether it plans to appeal to the larger panel of judges in the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals or appeal to the Supreme Court.The company will appeal within 14 days. and the court order will remain suspended while the appeal continues.'

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney said on Twitter, ``Apple won the case in the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals. but held that the Sherman Act (a central piece of U.S. antitrust law) was not proven.' 'Fortunately, the court's affirmation of dismissing Apple's anti-stealing clause A landmark ruling now allows iOS developers to send consumers to the web and conduct transactions directly there.We are working on the next step,' he tweeted.



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