In a reasonable victory lap, technology and markets analyst Ben Thompson reminded folks that he pointed out the critical difference between the two cases years ago. Turning the clock back, the differences between Epic’s case against Apple and Google were clear to some.
Why did Google lose when Apple won? And what does the ruling mean for the app economy? Let’s explore. Google also intends to contest its verdict. The verdict comes after Epic lost a similar suit with Apple, which it is appealing. In the jury’s view, Epic showed a “preponderance of evidence Google willfully acquired or maintained monopoly power by engaging in anticompetitive conduct” regarding both the Android app distribution market and Android in-app billing services for digital goods and services transactions in worldwide markets, exclusive of China. Read it every morning on TechCrunch+ or get The Exchange newsletter every Saturday. The Exchange explores startups, markets and money. Google losing the antitrust lawsuit brought by Epic Games concerning the Play Store will have far-reaching implications for the mobile app economy.
