Google Loses Appeal in Epic Games Lawsuit Over Android Play Store Monopoly

Court Rejects Google’s Appeal in Epic Games Antitrust Case

At Squaredtech.co, we’ve been closely watching the legal battle between Epic Games and Google—a case that could reshape how Android users access apps and make purchases.

This week, a U.S. federal appeals court rejected Google’s attempt to overturn a major jury verdict in favor of Epic Games. The verdict had found Google guilty of stifling competition by locking users and developers into its Play Store. The court ruling means that Google must now allow rival app stores and offer greater freedom to developers on Android.

The decision, issued by the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, upheld an earlier verdict by a San Francisco jury and orders from U.S. District Judge James Donato. Judge Donato had directed Google to make significant changes to its Play Store to restore fair competition. These reforms include:

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• Letting users download rival app stores directly within Google Play
• Making Play Store apps available to competitors
• Giving developers more control over in-app payment options

This is a massive win for Epic Games, the company behind Fortnite, which filed the lawsuit in 2020. Epic claimed Google used its dominance over Android to monopolize app distribution and payment processing. After a trial in 2023, a jury agreed.

Now, the appeals court has backed that verdict—and the changes must move forward.

Google Must Open Android, But Warns of Security Risks

Google strongly disagreed with the ruling and claims it will hurt users.

In a public statement, Lee-Anne Mulholland, Google’s VP of regulatory affairs, said the court’s decision will “significantly harm user safety, limit choice, and undermine the innovation” that defines Android.

She added that Google would continue to fight the ruling through additional appeals, possibly taking the case to the full 9th Circuit or even the U.S. Supreme Court.

At Squaredtech.co, we see Google’s response as an attempt to shift the conversation from competition to user protection. The company argues that forcing it to allow third-party stores and in-app billing systems could weaken Android’s security.

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But Epic and its allies disagree. In court documents, Epic called that argument misleading. They say users have been stuck in a controlled ecosystem that limits freedom and drives up costs, and they argue that Google’s tight control benefits itself at the expense of developers and users.

Epic Games Celebrates Victory and Prepares Android Launch

Epic CEO Tim Sweeney responded quickly after the court ruling. On social media, he confirmed that the company will now launch the Epic Games Store directly on Android through Google Play.

That’s a major step forward for developers who want to bypass Google’s up to 30% commission on app sales and in-app purchases.

At Squaredtech.co, we view this as a moment that could trigger real competition on Android. Until now, Google has largely controlled what gets installed on Android phones and how transactions are handled. Even though Android technically allows sideloading, most users and developers still rely heavily on the Play Store.

Now, with this ruling, Google must make it easier for other stores to exist inside its own ecosystem—something that could lower fees, increase innovation, and give users more choice.

Microsoft, U.S. Regulators Back Epic in the Legal Fight

Google didn’t just face Epic in this case. Major voices—including Microsoft, the U.S. Department of Justice, and the Federal Trade Commission—also backed Epic’s position.

These organizations filed legal briefs supporting the need for greater competition in mobile platforms. Microsoft, in particular, has publicly supported opening mobile app ecosystems, especially as it works to grow its presence in mobile gaming.

At Squaredtech.co, we see this ruling as part of a larger shift happening across the tech industry. Regulators in the U.S. and EU are increasing pressure on large platforms like Apple and Google to allow more third-party options.

This case is also tied to Epic’s separate battle with Apple. That lawsuit, which began in 2020, also targets App Store restrictions and in-app purchase rules. A judge previously ruled that Apple had to allow developers to direct users to outside payment options. Epic claims Apple is violating that order and continues to fight the issue in court.

What Happens Next?

Although the 9th Circuit ruling is a major win for Epic Games, the legal battle isn’t over.

Google still has legal options. The company may ask the full 9th Circuit to review the case or appeal directly to the U.S. Supreme Court. Until then, the District Court’s order will move forward, unless temporarily blocked again.

If the reforms take effect as planned, we could see a new phase for Android. Developers will be able to publish app stores within Google Play. Payment systems that compete with Google’s billing could become standard. And companies like Epic will finally have a way to reach Android users without paying high commissions.

From Squaredtech.co’s editorial view, this case isn’t just about apps or games. It’s about how much control one company should have over a platform that serves billions of users. This ruling signals that courts are willing to step in and demand more openness—even from the biggest tech players.

Final Thoughts from Squaredtech.co

Google’s loss in the Epic Games antitrust appeal is a clear message from U.S. courts: monopolies in mobile platforms won’t go unchecked. The ruling confirms that Google must allow rival app stores and more freedom for developers on Android.

For users, that means more choices. For developers, it could lower costs. And for companies like Epic, it opens the door to launching new platforms that can challenge Play Store dominance.

Still, Google’s fight isn’t finished. But as of now, Epic Games has scored a major legal victory—and Android is about to become a lot more open.

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