Google Seeks A Stay Of A US Judge’s Decision Over The App Store

Google has recently filed a request with a California federal judge, seeking a temporary halt on the broad court ruling that mandates the company to make its app store Play more accessible to increased competition. 

This legal move is strategic and significant in light of the ongoing discussions about promoting fair competition within the tech industry landscape. 

By pausing the implementation of the order, Google is aiming to further evaluate its implications and possibly challenge certain aspects through the proper legal channels.

The tech giant asked Donato to stay the order while it pursues an appeal

In a court filing submitted on Friday night, Google raised concerns that the injunction order issued by U.S. District Judge James Donato, set to take effect on Nov. 1, could potentially cause severe repercussions for the company. 

Google emphasized that the order would not only impact its operations but also pose significant safety, security, and privacy threats to the entire Android ecosystem. 

The technology behemoth, a subsidiary of Alphabet (GOOGL.O), made a formal request to Judge Donato to postpone the enforcement of the order until they could fully address the matter through the appeals process.

Google filed its notice of appeal to the 9th Circuit on Thursday

In a case brought by “Fortnite” creator Epic Games, which convinced a federal jury last year that Google was unlawfully controlling the way users downloaded apps for Android devices and made payments for in-app purchases, the judge granted the injunction on October 7.

According to the judge’s ruling, Google can no longer forbid users from using rival in-app payment methods and must permit users to download rival third-party Android app shops or platforms. 

Additionally, it prevents Google from paying device manufacturers to preinstall its app store and from splitting Play store profits with other app distributors.

Google can request that Donato revoke the injunction while it challenges the jury’s underlying antitrust decision by bringing the case before the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of challenges in San Francisco. 

On Thursday, Google sent the 9th Circuit a notice of appeal. In the end, it would be anticipated that the appeals court would consider Google’s challenge to Donato’s order and make a decision.

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