Alphabet’s Google and Epic Games, the developer of “Fortnite,” are appealing a previous court ruling at the 9th United States Circuit Court of Appeals in California.

The hearing on Feb. 3 focused on Google’s attempt to overturn a jury verdict and a court order requiring changes to its app store operations.

Epic Games filed a lawsuit against Google in 2020, claiming monopolistic practices regarding app access and payment systems on Android devices.

In 2023, a jury determined that Google violated antitrust laws.

This prompted US District Judge James Donato to order significant changes, requiring Google to allow the download of rival app stores through its Play store and ensure its app catalog is accessible to competitors.

However, the implementation of this order is currently stayed while the appeal is pending.

The 9th Circuit is expected to render a decision later this year, with potential for further appeal to the US Supreme Court.

Recent Google developments