Federal Court Justice Jonathan Beach supported significant aspects of Epic’s assertion that the tech giants violated Australian competition laws by exploiting their market dominance over app developers and engaging in restrictive trade practices.
Google said it would review the judgment.
Google and Apple could potentially appeal the ruling before the Federal Court full bench.
“We disagree with the court’s interpretation of our billing policies and practices, as well as its conclusions concerning some of our past partnerships, all of which were developed in a competitive mobile environment for the benefit of users and developers,” stated a Google spokesperson.
Beach has yet to release a 952-page judgment on Epic’s case against Apple or his 914-page judgment on the case against Google.
The judge gave an oral summary of his findings during a 90-minute hearing yesterday.
Lawyers will return to court on a date yet to be set to argue what Epic is entitled to in terms of damages.
