The 9th Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals has raised concerns regarding Google’s ties to outside organizations supporting its position in the ongoing antitrust case filed by Epic Games, the maker of Fortnite. The case, which centers on Epic’s accusations that Google monopolizes the app store market, is drawing attention not only for its legal implications but also for the transparency of financial relationships among supporters.
During oral arguments this week, Professor Paul Collins Jr. of the University of Massachusetts Amherst argued that third-party submissions, or amicus briefs, should fully disclose any financial backing they may have received from parties involved in the case. This includes revealing whether groups supporting Google in the appeal, such as the U.S. Chamber of Commerce and the Competitive Enterprise Institute, have received financial support from the tech giant. According to Collins, public records show that these groups have been funded by Google in the past, but they did not disclose such connections in their amicus filings.
Google is appealing a jury verdict and a judge’s order requiring a significant overhaul of its Google Play store, a decision that Epic claims violates antitrust laws. The appeal follows an ongoing legal battle over how Google’s Play store practices affect competition. The 9th Circuit court has scheduled further oral arguments for next month.
Collins, who filed an amicus brief supporting Epic’s stance, stated that transparency in financial ties is essential for the integrity of the legal process. He emphasized that amicus briefs should not serve as a platform for hidden financial influence.
The case is Epic Games v. Google (9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, Nos. 24-6256 and 24-6274). Both Google and Epic Games declined to comment on the proceedings. The legal challenge raises broader questions about the influence of external groups in high-profile antitrust cases and the ongoing debate over the need for stronger disclosure rules.
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