court ruling

BetaBeacon
December 13, 2025
Fortnite has returned to the Google Play Store in the US after a legal battle with Epic Games and Google. Android users in the US can now easily download the game, while players outside the country still need to find alternative ways to access it. Google recently settled with Epic Games, while Apple has made changes to its policies following a court ruling. Epic Games CEO, Tim Sweeney, sees these legal developments as a step towards fair competition in the mobile payment industry.
BetaBeacon
December 12, 2025
Fortnite is now available for download on Android devices through the Google Play Store after a legal battle between Epic Games and Google over in-app purchases. The game was removed in 2020 due to Epic Games introducing a way for players to make purchases without going through Google. Players in the US can now download the game from the Play Store, while players outside the US still cannot access it through the official storefront. Apple's appeal in its case against Epic Games was denied, with the court ruling that Apple can charge a fee on purchases made outside of its App Store but suggesting implementing a commission or fee limitation.
TrendTechie
November 23, 2025
RuTracker.org has decided not to appeal the Moscow City Court's ruling for its indefinite blocking, as it is registered in the Bahamas. The platform's representatives stated that pursuing legal action in Russia would be futile since they are outside the country. Instead, RuTracker will encourage users to challenge the ruling independently and provide legal consultation through a dedicated forum. They also plan to offer methods for users to bypass the block and create a section on their website for assistance. RuTracker's administrators are open to discussions with rights holders to seek reasonable compromises.
AppWizard
November 5, 2025
Google and Epic Games have reached a settlement in their antitrust dispute regarding app distribution and monetization on Google's Android platform. The specific terms of the agreement are undisclosed, but it aligns with Google's compliance with court-mandated changes to foster competition in its Play Store. The U.S. Supreme Court recently denied Google's request for a temporary hold on a ruling requiring modifications to the Play Store, which followed a jury's decision in favor of Epic Games. The settlement retains much of the judge's original directives, introducing commission caps of 9% or 20% on purchases made outside the Play Store and replacing the requirement for app catalog access with provisions for "registered app stores." Both companies have stated that the settlement will advance the evolution of the Android platform. Additionally, Google has updated its Chrome browser to allow users to input identification details, enhancing its autofill capabilities.
AppWizard
November 5, 2025
Epic Games and Google reached a settlement in their antitrust lawsuit, avoiding a potential Supreme Court ruling. The agreement includes global changes to the Android app ecosystem, allowing broader access for third-party app stores and reducing fees until 2032. Google will lower its standard service fee to 20% for the first year of a subscription or for transactions over one million dollars, and to 9% for other transactions. A new program will enable alternative app stores to register with Google for integration into the Google Play Store. The settlement's provisions will take effect internationally and are pending approval by Judge Donato.
AppWizard
October 30, 2025
Android users in the United States can now purchase apps using alternative payment methods and pricing strategies as Google opens its Play Store in response to a court ruling against its monopolistic practices. Developers can promote app prices and subscriptions outside the Play Store and include external links to alternative storefronts. They are no longer required to use Google Play Billing and can integrate other payment systems like PayPal or credit cards. This change is part of a court injunction that will remain in effect for three years, until November 1, 2027. Currently, these modifications are limited to the United States and do not apply to other regions.
AppWizard
October 30, 2025
Google is required to change its Play Store policies in the U.S. due to a court ruling, allowing developers to use alternative billing systems starting October 29. Developers can now inform users about alternative pricing and availability options outside the Play Store and implement their own payment systems for in-app transactions. They may also continue using Google Play Billing and offer lower prices for alternative payment methods. This ruling is a result of a legal dispute with Epic Games and restricts Google from certain exclusivity agreements with OEMs and app developers.
AppWizard
October 30, 2025
Google will allow Android users in the United States to download applications and make payments outside of the Play Store starting October 29, 2025, due to a court ruling in its legal dispute with Epic Games. Developers will be able to inform users about alternative app availability and pricing, link to external app stores, and offer payment options beyond Google Play Billing, such as credit cards and PayPal. This change marks a departure from previous policies that restricted app makers from advertising external payment solutions. The court's injunction requires Google to comply with these changes until November 1, 2027. The changes currently apply only to users in the United States.
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