An Australian court held that Apple and Google (owner of Android) ‘application stores were missing from competition on Tuesday the local media, marking a partial victory for the developer of the Fortnite game, Epic Games, against technological giants.
As part of a dispute started for several years by EPIC against the main manufacturers of smartphones in several jurisdictions around the world, the Australian Federal Court estimated that the application shops of these manufacturers had no protection against anti -competitive behavior, according to these same sources.
Epic Games reproached Apple and Google for taking commissions deemed excessive on the downloads of its games, while preventing users from installing their alternative application shop.
The Australian judgment, which extends over 2,000 pages, was not published by the Court on Tuesday, but the media specify that a summary of the judge indicates that the manufacturers of smartphones had not broken the law intentional.
In a publication on X, Epic said: “Australian justice has just recognized that Apple and Google abuse their control over the distribution of applications and integrated payments to limit competition. »»
Epic is a video game studio based in the United States, supported by Chinese Tencent.
“The Epic Games Store and Fortnite will arrive on iOS in Australia! “Continues the publication of Epic. “It is a victory for Australian developers and consumers! »»
Apple said in a press release to congratulate the rejection by the court of some of the accusations of Epic, while expressing a strong disagreement with other conclusions.
“Apple faces fierce competition in all the markets we operate,” said the Californian giant.
Google, for its part, also praised the rejection of certain allegations of Epic Games, but specified: “We do not share the characterization by the court of our billing policies and practices, nor its conclusions concerning some of our historical partnerships, which have all been shaped in a very competitive mobile landscape. »»
“We will examine the complete decision as soon as we have received it and assess our next steps. »»