Showdown
Apple is one of the largest companies in the world and starting last year they got into some legal battles, with none other than the creators of Fortnite… Epic Games. For some recap of this real-life legal battle royale. Fortnite is one of the biggest names in video games, and their creator is taking on Apple in a feud that could change smartphone app stores. The conflict started when Apple removed Fortnite from their app stores for violating guidelines. Apple claimed that Epic Games, the creator of Fortnite, was creating a way for players to buy in-game currency outside of their proprietary payment systems – meaning Apple was not getting their expected cut from Epic’s in-app purchases. Epic responded by filing a suit against Apple and launching a PR campaign aimed at characterizing Apple as the Villain in the battle. Apple then countersued in September.
Next Monday the companies will square off in court. The outcome of the case could be a defining for developers and antitrust laws on businesses. Tim Bajarin, president of market researcher Creative Strategies Inc. explained that the case “will help decide key issues about control of an ecosystem and if a third party can charge their customers on their own terms,”. Many experts are siding with Apple, explaining that no one forced Epic to use Apple’s app store and that despite giving them a platform to generate more revenue, Apple is still giving Epic most of the money.
What do you think about the court battle? And which company are you siding with in this fight?
I am not a financial advisor and my comments should never be taken as financial advice. Investments come with risk, so always do your research and analysis beforehand.