Alphabet’s Google has failed in its latest attempt to block a court order that forces it to loosen its grip on the Android app marketplace, marking a significant win for Epic Games in their long-running battle over app store dominance.
The San Francisco-based 9th US Circuit Court of Appeals on Friday rejected Google’s request to extend a pause on an injunction requiring the company to overhaul its Play store.
The reforms include allowing users to download rival app stores from within Google Play and giving competitors access to its app catalogue.
The panel said Google had not met the high bar required to keep the order frozen, although the company has up to 10 months to comply with certain provisions and 30 days for others.
In a separate ruling, the full court also declined to revisit Google’s appeal. The tech giant can still petition the US Supreme Court.
Epic CEO Tim Sweeney hailed the decision on X, calling it a milestone that would soon benefit both developers and consumers.
Epic first sued Google in 2020, accusing it of illegally monopolising Android app distribution and payments. A San Francisco jury sided with Epic last year, finding Google’s practices had unlawfully stifled competition.
US District Judge James Donato subsequently ordered a sweeping three-year injunction barring Google from restricting in-app payment options, blocking rival app platforms, or paying device makers to preinstall its store.
Google has denied wrongdoing and argues the ruling threatens user security and privacy, while leaving it on an “uneven playing field” with Apple, which largely fended off a similar Epic lawsuit.
The appellate court in July described evidence against Google as “replete” with examples of anticompetitive conduct. Friday’s ruling makes it clear those reforms are now one step closer to reality.
