Google Asks Supreme Court to Pause App Store Ruling
WASHINGTON – Google has petitioned the Supreme Court to stay a federal court ruling that found the tech giant illegally maintains a monopoly in the Android app distribution and payments market, escalating a legal battle with Epic Games that could reshape the mobile app landscape. The move, filed after losing an appeal in July, seeks to pause the implementation of court-ordered changes to Google’s Play Store policies while the high court considers the case.
A judge initially ruled in October 2024 that Google must alter policies that stifle competition within its app store. The ruling would prevent Google from paying developers to exclusively use its app store, prohibit it from blocking developers from informing consumers about direct download options, end the requirement to use Google’s billing features, and mandate access to its app catalog for rival app stores. Google argued the ruling unfairly restricted its ability to present its competitive position against Apple’s App Store and that the case was improperly decided by a jury.
The core of the dispute centers on accusations that Google leverages its dominance in the Android operating system to unfairly control the distribution of apps and the processing of payments, effectively squeezing developers and limiting consumer choice. Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, initiated the lawsuit, alleging anti-competitive practices.
Google maintains that the ruling “will significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation that has always been central to the Android ecosystem,” as stated by Lee-Anne Mulholland, vice president of regulatory affairs, in July. The company has indicated it will continue to pursue its appeal, and this latest action signals a commitment to fighting the court’s decision at the highest level. The Supreme Court has not yet indicated whether it will hear the case or grant the stay.
