Epic Games has filed a lawsuit against Google following a recent legal victory where a judge ruled that Google's practices regarding alternative app stores on Android were anti-competitive.

Judge James Donato has mandated that Google modify its app distribution and payment practices by early July 2025, which could significantly alter the mobile app landscape.

The ruling aims to enhance competition while ensuring that Google is not excessively burdened as a competitor.

This decision could pave the way for new app distribution platforms, potentially lowering the historically high developer fees of around 30%.

Google's Play Store has generated billions in revenue through its commission rates on in-app transactions, which are similar to those of Apple.

Despite the court's directives, Google claims it will take 12 to 16 months to implement necessary security safeguards, yet it must comply by November.

The lawsuit underscores concerns about the unchecked power of major tech companies like Google, which are often accused of circumventing regulations.

Epic asserts that it is not seeking special privileges but is advocating for fair treatment for all app developers against the practices of large tech firms.

Experts believe that the order could benefit consumers and create opportunities for rival app stores, fostering a more competitive environment.

In a related case, Apple has also faced scrutiny for anti-competitive practices, although it continues to charge fees on in-app transactions.

While Tim Sweeney, Epic's CEO, has suggested potential collusion between Google and Samsung regarding app distribution practices, he admits there is no concrete evidence to support this claim.

Google has described the lawsuit as meritless and intends to challenge the allegations, with responses from both Google and Samsung still pending.