Apple is calling on the Supreme Court to reconsider a previous ruling in its ongoing legal dispute with Epic Games, arguing that the decision could have far-reaching implications for the entire App Store ecosystem.
In a cert petition submitted on Thursday, Apple expressed its concerns about a prior decision that would compel the tech giant to permit app developers to guide their users to alternative payment methods beyond the App Store. While the injunction is currently in a state of uncertainty as both Epic and Apple seek to escalate the legal battle to the highest court, it could take effect if the Supreme Court declines to take up the case.
Apple criticized the ruling, which could potentially require it to allow payment workarounds in its app marketplace, as “breathtakingly broad.” The company emphasized that this injunction would not only affect Epic Games but all app developers.
The petition stated, “In this single-plaintiff case, the district court sua sponte issued a universal injunction prohibiting petitioner Apple Inc. from enforcing one of its contractual guidelines against all developers of apps on the App Store’s United States storefront — of which there are millions — not just against respondent Epic Games, Inc. The Ninth Circuit affirmed on the ground that extending injunctive relief to some nonparties—approximately 100 other app developers—was necessary to redress Epic’s alleged injury. Neither court ever found, or even considered, whether relief as to all affected nonparties was necessary or appropriate.”
This move comes after Epic Games filed its own petition to the Supreme Court on Wednesday, seeking a review of its core allegation that Apple’s App Store practices violate federal antitrust laws. While the lower courts did rule in favor of Epic on the matter of promoting external payment options, the majority of the ruling favored Apple.
