Google has suffered a significant legal setback after losing an appeal in its ongoing dispute with Fortnite developer Epic Games over app store policies.
Google has lost its appeal in its ongoing dispute with Fortnite developer Epic Games over app store policies.
The case, which centres on Epic’s challenge to Google’s billing system on the Google Play Store, saw the court uphold a previous ruling that Google must loosen restrictions imposed on developers.
The ruling overturns Google’s appeal and reinforces the requirement that Android developers – including Epic Games – be allowed to offer alternative payment methods and link to external billing systems.
The court found that Google’s Play Store policies unfairly limited competition and developer freedom.
Epic Games expressed satisfaction with the outcome, and spokesperson Christine Chen said in a statement: “This is a win for developers and consumers, reinforcing the right to fair and open digital commerce on Android.”
The decision follows similar antitrust victories by Epic in its legal battle with Apple over App Store rules.
Epic first brought the case against Google in 2021, arguing that Google’s policies – including mandatory use of its 30 per cent commission billing system – were monopolistic and blocked alternative revenue models for developers.
The appeal had attempted to dampen regulatory pressure on Google’s business model.
Industry analysts say this verdict may trigger broader changes in how Google structures its app ecosystem.
Tech industry lawyer Daniel Baker said: “Developers will now have more flexibility in payment options, potentially leading to price variations and innovation in digital commerce.”
Google has yet to issue an official response. However, the decision could have far-reaching implications.
If the requirement to allow outside billing is enforced, developers may adopt more competitive pricing strategies, and Google could see a shift in its Play Store revenue structure.
This ruling adds to growing antitrust scrutiny facing Big Tech in app marketplaces, underlining the increasing pressure on platform owners to open their systems to greater competition.
Google loses appeal in App Store battle with Fortnite’s Epic Games
