Epic Games v. Apple Ruling: Antitrust Litigation Takeaways

The federal judge overseeing the antitrust suit brought by Epic Games against Apple mostly sided with the iPhone maker, including ruling that Apple's App Store isn't an illegal monopoly for mobile gaming transactions. Cadwalader antitrust partner Joel Mitnick and counsel Ngoc Pham Hulbig discuss the decision and its impact on future antitrust litigation, including Google Play store practices.

When Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued her decision in the high-profile Epic Games Inc. v. Apple Inc. trial, neither party seemed a clear winner, with Apple's stock sliding and mobile video game company shares jumping following the judge's mixed decision.

In terms of federal antitrust litigation under the Sherman Act, however, Apple achieved a resounding victory. In addition to bolstering Apple's defense in similar cases, the court's decision sustains or raises the hurdles for plaintiffs in monopolization cases. Epic Games has filed a notice of appeal.