2023-08-09 12:52:09 ET
Apple ( NASDAQ: AAPL ) will be able to keep its App Store rules regarding payments in place for the time being, as the U.S. Supreme Court dealt a blow to Epic Games in its legal battle over app-sales commissions.
The Supreme Court declined to let an injunction take effect that would force Apple to change its payment practices (notably rules that require consumers to get apps and digital content through its App Store and provide a 30% cut to Apple).
On behalf of the court, Justice Elena Kagan denied Epic Games' request to lift a decision delaying implementing that injunction.
The matter stems from a 2020 dispute where Epic Games -- maker of popular hit Fortnite -- accused Apple of monopolistic behavior by requiring users to get content in the App Store and pay its commission, and barring developers from steering users to make purchases through another systems.
Epic is majority-owned by its founder, Tim Sweeney, though a major minority stake of 40% of held by Tencent Holdings ( OTCPK:TCEHY ), and 4.9% is owned by Sony ( NYSE: SONY ).
More on the Apple/Epic dispute
- Apple sued by Epic Games after removing Fortnite from App Store
- Apple countersues Epic for breach of contract, amping up App Store fight
- Apple wins appeal backing its App Store policy in Epic Games antitrust fight
For further details see:
Apple wins reprieve at Supreme Court against Epic on App Store payments