Google has been facing antitrust cases on multiple fronts lately. European and US authorities have questioned the company’s business model for ads and Google Search services. Another area that authorities have their eyes on is Google’s app store policies. Now, Google has requested the stay of the latest injunction that forces the Play Store to open up to competitors.
The case against the Play Store, pushed by Epic Games, has been years in the making. If you’re not aware, it all began with a 30% fee on all transactions made through the Play Store’s payment system. Epic Games also sued Apple for the same reason. The legal battle against Google has had multiple twists, and the latest development was a ruling that forces the Play Store to accept alternative app stores.
Google wants to postpone the effects of the ruling against the Play Store
After confirming the ruling, Google warned that it would appeal and seek a stay. The company believes that the changes imposed on the Play Store “will cause a range of unintended consequences that will harm American consumers, developers, and device makers.” Google also claims that they will pose potential threats to users’ privacy and security.
Google has now complied with its plea and has filed a request to Judge Donato for a stay of the injunction. The effects of the injunction come into effect on 1 November, but Google says it needs more time while it works on the appeal. Google has initially appealed to the judge in the main case. However, the company is also appealing to the US Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit.
Google has already sent the notice of appeal to the Ninth Circuit last week. Now, it must wait for the court’s evaluation and ruling on the challenge.
What are the effects of the court order?
Judge James Donato in San Francisco issued the injunction for the Google Play Store case on October 7. The injunction not only forced Google to allow third-party app stores on the Play Store. It also prohibited Google from implementing policies that force developers to exclusively use the Mountain View giant’s service.
Additionally, Google cannot enter into agreements with developers to grant them preferential conditions within the Play Store or negotiate deals for app exclusivity. In addition, the company cannot offer financial incentives for Android device manufacturers to integrate Play Store as the only app store.
The ruling has a duration of 3 years, although Epic Games originally asked for 6 years. “The provisions are designed to level the playing field for the entry and growth of rivals without burdening Google excessively. As competition comes into play and the network effects that Google Play unfairly enjoys are abated, Google “should not be unduly constrained as a competitor,” said Judge Donato.
