Epic Games Sues Google in India for Not Complying with CCI orders

Epic Games Sues Google in India for Not Complying with CCI orders

The US firm Epic Games has sued Google for not complying with the antitrust order that the Competition Commission of India (CCI) had imposed on Google over how it markets Android and how it has set up Android's app marketplace, the Google Play Store.

In October, 2022, the CCI had ordered the tech giant to cease and desist from unfair business practices. CCI noted that the internet major has leveraged its dominant position in the app store market for Android OS to enter as well. The CCI had imposed a fine of Rs 1,337.76 crore in that case.

Epic alleged that the tech giant is not hosting the gaming company's app store on Google's Play Store app. In January, 2023 Google had lost its case before the CCI and had stated that it will make changes to its Android business model including stopping its practice of forcing device makers to pre-install a bouquet of Google apps such as YouTube or Chrome.

India's antitrust watchdog had instructed Google to permit the hosting of third-party app shops inside the Play Store. It also required Google to permit unrestricted software downloads or sideloading as it is known, from outside the Play Store for users. Epic claims that Google has not complied with either of the directives.

Epic Games is the maker of the notable video game 'Fortnite,' Epic operates its own app store, Epic Games Store, that offers games and other apps for download. The company claims in the filing it is 'exploring launching' the Games Store app on Google Play Store and has been 'adversely affected' by Google not complying with the CCI order.

Bakari Middleton, Director of Global Public Policy at Epic Games, said in a statement, "we are seeking to join Indian developers in court to support the CCI's judgement that forces Google to enable rival third-party app shops."

Google on the other hand has said in a statement that it has submitted its "compliance plan to the CCI and continue to respectfully follow the legal process in India."

Epic is known for contesting against Apple and Google for charging high app store commissions. Currently, it has 9.5 million users existing in India.

When the CCI issued its direction back in October, Google answered by saying that the Android ecosystem's expansion will be constrained by the decision, while denying wrongdoing and saying that they will be attempting to block the mandate.

The agency stated in October, 2022, Google exploited its dominant position in Android in India, where 97 per cent of smartphones run on the operating system.

Google refuted to the wrongdoing and sought for stay on that directive, warning the ruling would limit the growth of the Android ecosystem.