Google has secured a significant, albeit small, victory in its ongoing legal battle with Epic Games. Recently, Google requested that Judge James Donato delay his November 1 deadline for altering the company’s Android app store regulations. Epic Games and Google both confirmed to The Verge that Judge Donato has granted Google’s request for a temporary administrative stay. This decision may allow Google to maintain its current Play Store practices for an extended period as it seeks to appeal the decision.
In December, a jury unanimously found that Google’s Play Store functioned as an illegal monopoly. However, Google is in the process of appealing both this verdict and the court’s subsequent order.
The temporary administrative stay issued by Judge Donato permits a pause until the appeals court decides on a longer stay. Judge Donato indicated in court that he believes the Ninth Circuit may grant that longer stay, potentially allowing Google to avoid changes until the appeal concludes. However, Judge Donato did not grant Google a longer stay himself.
If the original deadline were maintained, developers could have been allowed to cease using Google’s Play Billing by November 1. Google would no longer have been able to utilize financial incentives to retain developer loyalty, and an eight-month timeline would have begun for integrating third-party app marketplaces into the Play Store. Details of the changes ordered by Judge Donato are included in his permanent injunction.
Previously, Judge Donato had given Google less than a month to begin modifying its app store. Google argued for a 90-day period, similar to the timeframe provided to Apple for making similar changes. With the stay now in effect, Google finds itself in a situation akin to Apple’s, which managed to delay altering its App Store rules for over two years.
Without the stay, Judge Donato’s ruling might have promptly impacted consumers as well as developers. For example, Microsoft planned to allow game purchases and gameplay through its Xbox Android App, and Epic intended to introduce the Epic Games Store to Google Play next year. However, these developments may be delayed by years unless the Ninth Circuit denies a stay.
Google expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision, citing the importance of preserving a safe and secure experience on Google Play. The company stated it looks forward to continuing its efforts to protect U.S. Android users and developers as the appeal process continues. Epic Games opted not to comment on the matter.
