Google Asks Supreme Court to Pause Epic Games Injunction
Google has asked the U.S. Supreme Court to temporarily stay a permanent injunction from the Epic Games antitrust case that would require Google to open the Play Store to third‑party app stores for three years and ban certain pre‑installation and billing arrangements. The company filed its request ahead of the injunction’s effective date, asking the justices to act by October 17.
What the injunction would do
- Require Google to allow third‑party Android app stores to operate and distribute apps alongside Google Play for three years.
- Prohibit Google from requiring apps to use Google Play Billing for in‑app purchases and bar exclusive pre‑install deals that favor Play.
Google’s arguments for a stay
- Security and safety risks: Google says opening the ecosystem could enable stores that distribute malicious, deceptive or pirated content.
- Developer burden: Developers would have to monitor many more stores where their apps might appear without their knowledge.
- Economic impact: Google argues the injunction would make it easier for developers to avoid compensating Google for Play services unrelated to payments.
Case history & timing
The injunction stems from Epic’s long antitrust battle with Google. Google appealed the decision to the Ninth Circuit and then to the Supreme Court. The company has asked the Supreme Court for emergency relief to pause the injunction while it seeks full review; the requested deadline to act is Oct. 17.
Sources
- Law.Justia: Ninth Circuit opinion / case docket
- TechBuzz: Google appeals Epic ruling to Supreme Court
What do you think — should the Supreme Court pause the injunction while it considers the wider legal questions? Share your thoughts below.