Epic Games Takes Legal Battle With Apple Worldwide

Epic Games has announced they have filed an antitrust complaint against Apple over issues with the distribution and payment of apps in their online store. They claim that the percentage Apple takes (30%) is harmful and anti-competitive.

This is certainly not the first legal battle between the two companies. In August, Apple removed Fortnite from the App Store after Epic Games found a way around the 30% fee. This particular battle is due to convene in May at a U.S. trial as Apple claims that the game developers deliberately violated seller guidelines.

Epic's new allegation against Apple is being brought to Brussels and before the European Commission, where they say they are not looking to gain reparations but to ask the Commission to put in place "timely and effective remedies."

An investigation into Apple's App Store had already been underway, as in June 2020, Brussels launched a formal inquiry into the store's purchase system specifically.

Each investigation is independent of one another - that is to say, the U.S. trial will not be involved with the European case and vice versa. However, if one were to conclude before the other, it could have an impact on the remaining inquiry.