Bulletins

Apple alleges Epic wanted a 'special deal'

Apple on Friday responded to the lawsuit from Fortnite maker Epic Games, alleging that Epic asked for a "special deal" and should not be reinstated to Apple's App Store while the two companies duke it out in court.

"The injunction Epic seeks would threaten for everyone the benefits that Epic, developers and App Store customers have long enjoyed," Apple wrote in a legal filing. The company is represented by lawyers with Gibson, Dunn & Crutcher LLP, including well-known attorney Ted Boutrous.

"Epic has not and cannot show that it is likely to succeed on the merits of its novel antitrust claims ," Apple wrote.

The court papers reveal that Epic was negotiating with Apple for months over a more favorable deal, and ultimately Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney warned Apple on Aug. 13: "Epic will no longer adhere to Apple's payment processing restrictions."

Emily Birnbaum

Emily Birnbaum ( @birnbaum_e ) is a former tech policy reporter with Protocol. Her coverage focuses on the U.S. government's attempts to regulate one of the most powerful industries in the world, with a focus on antitrust, privacy and politics. Previously, she worked as a tech policy reporter with The Hill after spending several months as a breaking news reporter. She is a Bethesda, Maryland native and proud Kenyon College alumna.

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Bulletins