Apple registered a reply and counterclaims in its legal saga with Epic Games, contending that the developer broke its agreement with Apple as it also asked for damages in a conflict that arose on August 13, CNBC reported.
At that time, Epic Games provided Apple’s App Store with a new iteration of Fortnite that enabled users to make payments for content within the game while circumventing Apple’s typical 30 percent commission.
Apple proceeded to take the app down from the App Store, while Epic Games filed suit against Apple on the same day. Apple then halted the game maker’s developer account on Aug. 28, but the tech company is now seeking additional action.
Apple wants the court to make Epic responsible for breach of contract, among other claims, and is seeking a permanent order to prohibit its external payment systems in all applications. The tech company is also looking for payment of all the funds Fortnite received via its payment infrastructure.
″Epic’s lawsuit is nothing more than a basic disagreement over money,” Apple wrote in its court filing. “Although Epic portrays itself as a modern corporate Robin Hood, in reality, it is a multi-billion-dollar enterprise that simply wants to pay nothing for the tremendous value it derives from the App Store.”
The news comes as shares of Apple are on the uptick, even amid controversies such as Epic Games’ lawsuit and the possibility of Chinese retaliation against the firm. The firm reached record intraday and closing highs on Aug. 24 on the NASDAQ stock market, closing out the day at $503.43 after going as high as $515.14 earlier in the session.
At the time, Morgan Stanley Analyst Katy Huberty increased her Apple price target to $520 from $431 in a note to clients, according to MarketWatch. Huberty said she didn’t anticipate any immediate modifications to the App Store’s operations, since the legal processes would likely take time to unravel.
We’re always on the lookout for opportunities to partner with innovators and disruptors.
Learn More