Judge orders Google to calculate the costs of Epic's biggest Play Store demand
Will Google's New Order Reshape App Markets?
Judge James Donato has ordered Google to calculate the costs of allowing the Epic Games Store to operate within the Google Play Store and access its app catalog. This follows Epic Games' significant demands made in April and their partial victory at trial. Google must detail the technical and economic implications by June 24, 2024, with a final hearing set for August 14. This development could potentially reshape the app distribution landscape on Android.
On what basis did Judge James Donato order Google to calculate the costs of complying with Epic Games' demands?
Judge James Donato ordered Google to calculate the costs of complying with Epic Games' demands based on the specific requests made by Epic for "Catalog Access" and "Library Porting" within Google's Play Store125. This directive is part of the legal proceedings following Epic's win in court, where they challenged Google's app store practices. The judge's order requires Google to provide a detailed proffer by June 24, 2024, outlining the technical work and economic implications of allowing competing app stores access to Google Play's entire catalog of apps and the integration of third-party app stores into Google Play for a period of up to six years45. This assessment will help the court understand the feasibility and impact of implementing Epic's demands.
What were the primary demands made by Epic Games that were revealed in April?
In April, Epic Games revealed two primary demands in its legal battle with Google. The first demand was for Google to allow the Epic Games Store to exist within the Google Play Store6. This would mean that users would be able to access and download the Epic Games Store through Google Play, creating a competing app store within Google's ecosystem6.
The second demand was for Google to provide "Catalog Access" and "Library Porting" to competing app stores for a period of up to six years. This would require Google to give other app stores access to the entire Google Play catalog of apps, allowing users to easily switch between app stores without losing access to their previously downloaded apps6.
Additionally, Epic Games also requested that Google be required to carry third-party app stores within its Google Play store for six years6. This would further increase competition and choice for users when it comes to downloading and using apps on Android devices.
These demands were part of a larger list of asks from Epic Games in their ongoing legal dispute with Google, and Judge James Donato is considering these demands as potential remedies in the case.