Epic Games has secured a significant victory in its antitrust lawsuit against Google, focusing on Play Store developer fees and related agreements. A unanimous jury found Google liable for monopolization, unlawful restraint of trade, and tying under the Sherman Antitrust Act.

The jury specifically identified two relevant antitrust markets:

• Android app distribution market
• Android in-app billing services for digital goods and services transactions

Key Findings:

• Google willfully maintained monopoly power through anticompetitive conduct
• Google's developer agreements, competitor deals, and mobile-device manufacturer pacts constituted trade restraints
• Google illegally tied Play Store use to Google Play Billing

Prior to the verdict, settlement talks were held between:

• Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney and Android executives (60-90 minutes)
• Sweeney and Google CEO Sundar Pichai (60 minutes) Neither meeting resulted in a settlement.

Epic Games has long advocated against the 30% fee charged to Play Store developers, arguing it stifles innovation, reduces consumer choice, and inflates prices. The company views this verdict as a significant victory for app developers and consumers worldwide.

The case highlights the need for legislation addressing mobile platform monopolies, including:

• UK's Digital Markets, Competition and Consumer Bill
• EU's Digital Markets Act

This verdict could have far-reaching implications for app store practices and developer fees across the mobile ecosystem.

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