Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to pause a judge’s order requiring major changes to its Play Store following its defeat in an antitrust case against Epic Games. The injunction would mandate Google to allow rival app stores, external billing options, and expanded competition, changes Google claims could harm users and developers. Epic Games asserts these measures are vital to breaking Google’s monopoly and fostering fair competition.
Reuters reports that Google has urged the Supreme Court to halt key aspects of the judge’s order, which would force significant changes to its app store. Google described the order as unprecedented, warning of potential reputational damage, safety risks, and competitive disadvantage if the mandate is allowed to proceed. The company plans to file an appeal with the Supreme Court by October 27, which could allow the justices to take up the case during their nine-month term starting October 6.
Epic Games, in a statement, criticized Google’s reliance on what it called ‘flawed security claims’ to justify its control over Android devices. The company argued that the court’s injunction should take effect as ordered so that users and developers can benefit from competition, choice, and lower prices. The jury, which sided with Epic in the trial, found that Google illegally stifled competition, leading to the injunction being issued by Judge Donato.