Judge Accuses Apple of Deception in Epic Games Trial Ruling
Synopsis
Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a scathing ruling Wednesday, finding that Apple willfully violated her 2021 injunction from the Epic Games trial. The judge determined Apple executive Alex Roman "outright lied" under oath…
Federal Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a scathing ruling Wednesday, finding that Apple willfully violated her 2021 injunction from the Epic Games trial. The judge determined Apple executive Alex Roman "outright lied" under oath about the company's App Store commission decisions.
"Neither Apple, nor its counsel, corrected the, now obvious, lies," Rogers wrote in her decision. The ruling represents a significant blow to Apple's legal standing in its ongoing battle with Epic Games.
Executive's Testimony Labeled False by Court
The controversy centers on Apple's implementation of a 27% commission on certain purchases made through external links in iPhone apps. According to the court, this policy directly contradicted the intent of the original Epic Games trial ruling from 2021.
Judge Rogers stated that Roman, Apple's Vice President of Finance, provided false testimony regarding when Apple decided to implement this fee structure. The judge referred the matter to U.S. attorneys to investigate potential criminal contempt proceedings against both Roman and Apple.
Tim Cook Rejected Internal Advice
Court documents revealed that Apple's former senior vice president Phil Schiller had advised against imposing commissions on web link purchases. However, CEO Tim Cook ignored this recommendation.
"Cook chose poorly," Rogers wrote bluntly in her assessment of the decision-making process.
The judge also accused Apple of concealing a June 2023 meeting involving Cook about compliance with the 2021 court order. According to Rogers, Apple hid the existence of this meeting until 2025.
Immediate Changes Ordered to App Store
The court's ruling has immediate implications for Apple's business model. Judge Rogers ordered Apple to stop imposing commissions on purchases made through web links inside iPhone apps, effective immediately.
"This is an injunction, not a negotiation. There are no do-overs once a party willfully disregards a court order," Rogers emphasized in her decision.
The original Epic Games trial concluded in 2021 with Apple winning most counts, but Epic secured some concessions. The court ordered Apple to allow developers to link to external websites for purchases outside Apple's ecosystem.
Both Sides Respond to Ruling
"We strongly disagree with the decision. We will comply with the court's order and we will appeal," an Apple spokesperson stated following the ruling.
Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney celebrated the decision: "It's a huge victory for developers, and it means all developers can offer their own payment service side-by-side with Apple's payment service. This forces Apple to compete. This is what we wanted all along."
Broader Implications for App Store Model
The ruling represents the most significant challenge yet to Apple's App Store business practices following the initial Epic Games trial. Judge Rogers ordered Apple to pay Epic's attorney fees related to this specific issue.
Legal experts suggest the finding that Apple executives lied under oath may damage the company's credibility in future regulatory battles over its App Store policies both in the U.S. and abroad.
Source
CNBC - Court finds Apple, executive lied under oath in Epic Games trial
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