According to France24, judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers concluded that Apple had "intentionally" ignored the ruling issued after the trial with Epic Games, instead building new barriers to maintain the company's control over the digital application market.
The lawsuit was initiated by Epic Games, a game developer Fortnite, in 2021 with the goal of breaking the monopoly that they believe Apple is holding in the distribution and payment of digital products. After the trial, Judge Gonzalez Rogers determined that Apple's control was not a monopoly, but forced the company to allow developers to insert links to outside payment platforms.
However, according to the court, Apple responded by imposing additional commissions for transactions outside the App Store, and issuing frightening requests and warnings to prevent users from shopping outside their platforms. The judge said that Apple acted to maintain a multi-billion-dollar revenue streak, going against the spirit of the original verdict.
Ms. Gonzalez Rogers also criticized Apple for lying in court. Internal documents show that the company clearly understands its actions and has chosen the most uncompetitive option. Apple thought that the court would ignore this disregard was a serious miscalculation. The hiding always makes things worse, she said.
Apple said it strongly opposes the court's ruling and will appeal, although it will still comply while waiting. Meanwhile, Epic Games CEO Tim sweeney confirmed that Apple's 15-30% fee is "termed" in the US as well as in Europe according to the new regulations.
Mr. sweeney also made a mediation proposal, pledging to end all lawsuits if Apple applies the global free framework as ruled by the court. Finally, Judge Gonzalez Rogers asked the Prosecutors' Office to investigate whether criminal sanctions should be imposed on Apple to deter future violations.
