Epic Game’s plan to lead econometric evidence in its dispute with Apple could be the first time such evidence has been led in a competition case in Australia, a judge has said, as he warned that the companies’ “unlimited resources and enthusiasm for victory” should not bog the case down.
Apple has been hit with a lawsuit alleging iPhone and iPad devices sold in Australia since at least 2014 and equipped with Touch and Face ID technology infringe two patents held by a non-practicing entity.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is investigating competition concerns about Apple’s refusal to allow third party access to the near-field communication chip that allows iPhone users to make ‘tap and go’ payments through Apple Pay.
The Full Federal Court took a “radical” and unorthodox approach with far-reaching consequences by keeping Apple’s competition dispute with Fortnite game maker Epic Games in Australia, the Silicon Valley giant has told the High Court.
Google is pressing forward with an application to stay Fortnite game maker Epic Games’ competition lawsuit over its Google Play store terms, despite the Full Court rejecting a similar move by Apple.
Video game developer Epic Games has asked the Full Federal Court to overturn an “illogical” decision sending its competition lawsuit against Apple to California, saying the move would have a “chilling effect” on the enforcement of Australia’s competition laws.
Internet search giant Google wants to weigh in on an appeal over whether Epic Games’ lawsuit accusing Apple of abusing its dominance in the app store marketplace should be heard in Australia, as the ACCC wins its bid to intervene in the case.
A software engineer who was sacked from Apple after criticism that he was “clowning around” has accused the technology giant of discriminating against him for taking leave to care for his family.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has called on Apple and Google to seize a “window of opportunity” to address the regulator’s concerns about their significant power in the app marketplace or face possible regulation.
A judge has found that a clause in Apple’s agreement with developers requires that Fortnite game developer Epic Games litigate a closely watched competition lawsuit against the tech giant on its home turf.