Apple and Epic are getting closer to their much-anticipated Fortnite trial, and they plan to call some of their top executives to testify in person.
The case involves a dispute over Apple’s ownership of its App Store between the developer of one of the world’s most popular video games and the world’s most influential mobile device business. Epic is suing Apple for allegedly violating antitrust rules.
According to a court filing of preliminary witnesses, Apple (AAPL) CEO Tim Cook, software engineering chief Craig Federighi, and Apple fellow Phil Schiller are among the executives who may testify. Others include those in charge of payment processing, fraud prevention, and App Store creation, policies, and resources.
“Our senior executives are looking forward to telling the court about the App Store’s enormous effect on innovation, global economies, and consumer engagement over the last 12 years. We are sure that the case would demonstrate that Epic intentionally broke its deal primarily to maximise its sales, which is why they were withdrawn from the App Store,” Apple said in a statement. “By doing so, Epic exploited the App Store’s security features, reducing competition and jeopardising customers’ privacy and data security”, added Apple.
Epic Games intends to invite its founder and CEO Tim Sweeney, as well as other senior executives, to testify about the company’s business model, financial success, and anti-app store initiative. Epic has been quiet on the matter.
Since August of last year, when Apple removed the popular video game Fortnite from its App Store, the iPhone manufacturer and the developer of the game have been embroiled in a legal battle. Epic removed the game after releasing a software update that enabled players to bypass Apple’s proprietary 30% in-app payment scheme, which is contractually prohibited.
Since the requirement arised for developers to use Apple and Google’s payment systems, Sweeney claims it breached antitrust laws. Following the store removals, Epic filed litigation against both firms, alleging that the courts should step in and order Apple and Google to allow developers to sell in-app purchases without the 30% revenue reduction.
According to court records, the Apple vs. Epic Games trial could commence as soon as May 3.
