Apple Countersues Epic Games Over Fortnite Payment Breach
Apple strikes back at Epic Games with a counterclaim seeking damages for breach of contract after the Fortnite creator bypassed App Store fees. The tech giant demands restitution and a permanent ban on Epic's external payment system.
Apple files a formal legal response and counterclaims against Epic Games, accusing the Fortnite creator of breaching its contract. Apple seeks unspecified damages, full restitution of the money collected through Epic's independent payment system, and a permanent injunction to ban this external payment mechanism from all apps on Apple platforms.
The ongoing legal conflict originates from Epic's decision in August to introduce a direct payment option in Fortnite that bypasses Apple's standard 30% commission. Apple promptly removes the game from the App Store and later suspends Epic's developer account, prompting Epic to sue Apple and accuse the company of suppressing free-market competition.
Apple portrays Epic's actions as a premeditated sneak attack, noting that Epic executives thank Apple for its support just months before launching the alternate payment system. With over $600 million already earned from the App Store, Epic currently pushes for a preliminary injunction to restore Fortnite and reinstate its developer account ahead of a late September hearing.