In a major blow to tech giant Google, a U.S. federal appeals court has upheld a jury verdict that found the company’s Android app store practices to be monopolistic. The ruling supports an earlier decision that sided with Fortnite creator Epic Games, accusing Google of violating antitrust laws by restricting competition in the app distribution market.

This landmark decision paves the way for significant changes to how apps are sold and distributed on Android devices.

Court Rejects Google’s Appeal

The Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reaffirmed that Google unfairly stifled competition by forcing developers to use its Google Play Store and in-app payment system, which charges high commissions. The panel’s decision means Google must now comply with a set of reforms that could reshape the Android ecosystem.

The ruling stemmed from a 2023 jury verdict in which Epic Games successfully argued that Google abused its market dominance. The appeals court agreed, saying the company’s conduct was “anticompetitive.”

Epic Games Leads the Charge

Epic Games, known for its blockbuster title Fortnite, has long criticized the fees imposed by both Apple and Google on app developers. While Apple previously won a similar battle against Epic, the Google case has taken a different turn, with courts siding against the tech behemoth.

In a statement, Epic said the decision is a victory for consumers and developers, bringing hope for a freer, more competitive mobile app market.