Epic Games opposes Apple’s appeal to pause trial orders in App Store case

Apple’s efforts to
put on hold orders handed down in an antitrust trial was met with opposition on
Friday by Epic Games, the creators of the popular online video game ‘Fortnite’.
This has paved the way for a potentially lengthy appeals process to play out.

Also Read – Epic Games case: Apple says App Store changes will ‘harm’ users, developers

In September, a United
States district judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers told Apply Inc to the rules of the
maker’s devices built in App Store. The company was asked to allow developers
to send their users to other payment systems.

It was a partial win
for app creators like Epic since even now Apple Inc will be charging commission
ranging from 15% to 30% for users using their own in-app payment systems.

Epic Games was not
particularly pleased with the ruling and moved to appeal first.

Apple was given a notice
period until December 9 to comply with the new guidelines but earlier this
month the company’s response was that they will appeal the ruling.

Also Read – Apple versus Fortnite: All you need to know

The judge Yvonne
Gonzalez Rogers was asked to put the order on hold as the appeals process is
ongoing. This could lead to the decision being put on hold for a duration of
well over one year.

Epic’s argument in
court on Friday was that the company (Apple) has not met the legal standards to
be eligible for asking the ruling to be put on hold. This is because it has not
been proven that the iPhone makers will face irreparable harm if they comply with
the order on a temporary basis (keeping in mind that the injunction can be
reversed on appeal).

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Epic Games further argued
that considering Apple’s positive comments following the ruling and a delay in
asking for a pause is testament to the fact that the company will not be harmed
‘irreparably’ by enacting the orders.

Apple is yet to
comment on the issue and a hearing on Apple’s request has been set for November
9.