Epic has continued its own Sherman (antitrust) March against the tech giants, by bringing a similar (but not identical) claim against Google as the one they brought against Apple.
But might the openness of Google's business model actually make them *more* susceptible to a claim of this type?
And what is the endgame for all these Fortnite lawsuits anyway?
Being "more open" may get you in trouble for being "more controlling" in the wild world of...Virtual Legality.
CHECK OUT THE VIDEO AT: https://youtu.be/0qVsZXajXuQ
#Epic #FreeFortnite #Google
***
CHAPTERS
00:00 Introduction (Background)
08:40 Epic vs Google (Overview)
11:36 Epic's Theory of the Case
19:55 Google Market Power Examples (OnePlus)
31:15 Epic's Best Argument (Licensed OS Market)
37:05 Google's Alleged Anti-Competitive Behavior
46:16 A Discussion of Tying
52:50 Conclusion
***
Discussed in this episode:
"THE FORTNITE MEGA DROP - PERMANENT DISCOUNTS UP TO 20%"
Epic Games Post - August 13, 2020
https://www.epicgames.com/fortnite/en-US/news/the-fortnite-mega-drop-permanent-discounts-up-to-20-percent
"Epic Declares War on Apple/Google...with Fortnite (VL285)"
YouTube Video - August 13, 2020 - Hoeg Law
https://youtu.be/Xb1E6-okFxQ
"Apple just kicked Fortnite off the App Store"
The Verge - August 13, 2020 - Nick Statt
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21366438/apple-fortnite-ios-app-store-violations-epic-payments
"Epic Games is suing Apple"
The Verge - August 13, 2020 - Nick Slatt
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21367963/epic-fortnite-legal-complaint-apple-ios-app-store-removal-injunctive-relief
Epic Games, Inc. v Apple Inc.
Filed August 13, 2020 (US N.D. Cal)
https://cdn2.unrealengine.com/apple-complaint-734589783.pdf
"It Was A Trap!!! A Lawyer Discusses Epic vs Apple (Fortnite Lawsuit) (VL286)"
YouTube Video - August 14, 2020 - Hoeg Law
https://youtu.be/y04zz5g1_08
"Trusts, etc., in restraint of trade illegal; penalty"
15 USC 1 (Sherman Act Sec. 1)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/1
"Monopolizing trade a felony; penalty"
15 USC 2 (Sherman Act Sec. 2)
https://www.law.cornell.edu/uscode/text/15/2
"The Antitrust Laws"
Federal Trade Commission Site
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/antitrust-laws
"Single Firm Conduct"
Federal Trade Commission Site
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/single-firm-conduct
"Monopolization Defined"
Federal Trade Commission Site
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/single-firm-conduct/monopolization-defined
"Fortnite has also been kicked off of Google Play"
GameIndustryBiz - August 14, 2020 - Rebekah Valentine
https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2020-08-14-fortnite-has-also-been-kicked-off-of-google-play
"Epic is suing Google over Fortnite’s removal from the Google Play Store"
The Verge - August 13, 2020 - Russell Brandom
https://www.theverge.com/2020/8/13/21368363/epic-google-fortnite-lawsuit-antitrust-app-play-store-apple-removal
Epic Games, Inc. v Google LLC
Filed August 13, 2020 (US N.D. Cal)
https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_asset/file/21759099/file0.243586135368002.pdf
"Tying the Sale of Two Products"
Federal Trade Commission Site
https://www.ftc.gov/tips-advice/competition-guidance/guide-antitrust-laws/single-firm-conduct/tying-sale-two-products
***
"Virtual Legality" is a continuing series discussing the law, video games, software, and everything digital, hosted by Richard Hoeg, of the Hoeg Law Business Law Firm (Hoeg Law).
CHECK OUT THE REST OF VIRTUAL LEGALITY HERE:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL1zDCgJzZUy9YAU61GoW-00K0TJOGnPCo
DISCUSSION IS PROVIDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY AND IS NOT TO BE CONSTRUED AS LEGAL ADVICE. INDIVIDUALS INTERESTED IN THE LEGAL TOPICS DISCUSSED IN THIS VIDEO SHOULD CONSULT WITH THEIR OWN COUNSEL.
***
Twitter: @hoeglaw
Web: hoeglaw.com
Blog: hoeglaw.wordpress.com
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