Epic Games Obtained an Epic Jury Verdict - Now What Happens
The Verdict is a Good Outcome; But Cautious Optimism is Required
The media frenzy surrounding Epic Games’ recent victory in their monopolization lawsuit against Google is understandable. This marks the first time that Google has ever been defeated in an antitrust trial, as indicated by the favorable jury verdict for Epic Games. Of course, this is a moment to celebrate and a much-needed morale boost. But I think there is too much excessive celebration, which ultimately masks how much work and uncertainty is left in this lawsuit. Today, in Tech Policy Press, I detail my thoughts about the lawsuit, the jury verdict in favor of Epic Games, and why cautious optimism is warranted.
The full article can be read here. Below is the first paragraph. I hope you enjoy it.
More than three years after the North Carolina developer of Fortnite, Epic Games, initiated its blockbuster antitrust lawsuit against Google, this week a jury of nine ordinary Californian citizens marked 11 Xs on a document and declared that Google engaged in illegal monopolization. This decision is stunning. Besides the fact that most antitrust lawsuits avoid juries altogether and are instead decided solely by a judge, this decision marks Google’s first loss in an antitrust action. It is now clear that even the seemingly invulnerable technology darling can be wounded – in its home state nonetheless.
Image Credit: jusuf111 via Pixabay.