

# Google CEO Sundar Pichai Testifies in Epic Games Antitrust Trial

Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently testified in a San Francisco federal court as part of an **antitrust trial** brought by Epic Games (1,2). The trial focuses on allegations by Epic Games against Google's Play Store payment processing system, claiming it constitutes an **illegal monopoly** (1,2,3,4).

Epic Games argues that Google's collection of a 15-30% commission on in-app purchases harms consumers and stifles innovation (1). Pichai defended Google's practices, highlighting competition from Apple's iOS and emphasizing that most software developers on Google Play do not pay fees (1). 

> "We compete fiercely with Apple," Pichai stated during the trial (3).

However, Epic Games' attorneys attempted to establish that Google was concealing sensitive communications. Pichai acknowledged marking documents as "privileged" and not disabling a setting that caused internal chats to automatically delete after one day (2). 

> "I used the term 'privileged' to indicate confidentiality, not attorney-client privilege," Pichai explained (2).

Epic Games wants easier access to third-party app stores and additional payment processors for in-app purchases. Google argues that changing its systems would compromise security and harm its ability to compete with Apple (2).

Pichai also confirmed that Google pays Apple 36% of Safari search revenue under a default search agreement, which is relevant to the Justice Department's antitrust claims (3). This detail was accidentally revealed in open court by a witness testifying on Google's behalf (3).

The trial also raised questions about the financial arrangements between Google and Apple (1). The attorney for Epic Games alleged that Google pays Samsung, Android's largest hardware partner, less than half of what it pays to Apple. Pichai responded that he didn't know for certain but it was possible (3).

The outcome of the lawsuit against Google could have significant implications for the app store business. Google has settled claims with other parties and is also facing an antitrust trial over its search dominance (2).

This trial is one of the recent high-profile legal battles for Google, as it faces challenges to its business models and market dominance (4). Google is currently defending itself in a separate antitrust trial brought by the justice department, alleging illegal monopoly in internet search and web advertising (4).

The ruling in Epic's trial against Apple largely sided with Apple, but Apple was found to have violated a California unfair competition law (4). Epic is not seeking any monetary damages in its case against Google, and the trial is expected to conclude next year (4).

The trial is expected to last approximately four weeks and conclude in early December (5). Google CFO Ruth Porat and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney are expected to testify (5). 

This case is a clear example of the ongoing debate over monopolistic practices in the tech industry. It highlights the tension between large tech companies and smaller developers, and the potential impact of these practices on consumer choice and innovation. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future antitrust cases in the tech industry (1,2,3,4,5,6).

<h1>Google CEO Sundar Pichai Testifies in Epic Games Antitrust Trial</h1>
Google CEO Sundar Pichai recently testified in a San Francisco federal court as part of an antitrust trial brought by Epic Games (1,2). The trial focuses on allegations by Epic Games against Google's Play Store payment processing system, claiming it constitutes an illegal monopoly (1,2,3,4).
Epic Games argues that Google's collection of a 15-30% commission on in-app purchases harms consumers and stifles innovation (1). Pichai defended Google's practices, highlighting competition from Apple's iOS and emphasizing that most software developers on Google Play do not pay fees (1).
<blockquote>
"We compete fiercely with Apple," Pichai stated during the trial (3).
</blockquote>
However, Epic Games' attorneys attempted to establish that Google was concealing sensitive communications. Pichai acknowledged marking documents as "privileged" and not disabling a setting that caused internal chats to automatically delete after one day (2).
<blockquote>
"I used the term 'privileged' to indicate confidentiality, not attorney-client privilege," Pichai explained (2).
</blockquote>
Epic Games wants easier access to third-party app stores and additional payment processors for in-app purchases. Google argues that changing its systems would compromise security and harm its ability to compete with Apple (2).
Pichai also confirmed that Google pays Apple 36% of Safari search revenue under a default search agreement, which is relevant to the Justice Department's antitrust claims (3). This detail was accidentally revealed in open court by a witness testifying on Google's behalf (3).
The trial also raised questions about the financial arrangements between Google and Apple (1). The attorney for Epic Games alleged that Google pays Samsung, Android's largest hardware partner, less than half of what it pays to Apple. Pichai responded that he didn't know for certain but it was possible (3).
The outcome of the lawsuit against Google could have significant implications for the app store business. Google has settled claims with other parties and is also facing an antitrust trial over its search dominance (2).
This trial is one of the recent high-profile legal battles for Google, as it faces challenges to its business models and market dominance (4). Google is currently defending itself in a separate antitrust trial brought by the justice department, alleging illegal monopoly in internet search and web advertising (4).
The ruling in Epic's trial against Apple largely sided with Apple, but Apple was found to have violated a California unfair competition law (4). Epic is not seeking any monetary damages in its case against Google, and the trial is expected to conclude next year (4).
The trial is expected to last approximately four weeks and conclude in early December (5). Google CFO Ruth Porat and Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney are expected to testify (5).
This case is a clear example of the ongoing debate over monopolistic practices in the tech industry. It highlights the tension between large tech companies and smaller developers, and the potential impact of these practices on consumer choice and innovation. The outcome of this trial could set a precedent for future antitrust cases in the tech industry (1,2,3,4,5,6).

The Guardian

Sundar Pichai denies Google stifles competition at Epic antitrust trial

Pichai to rebut Epic Games’ charge that Google ‘monopolized’ consumer choice

Reuters

Alphabet CEO, in Play store trial, acknowledges some materials not retained

CNBC

Alphabet pays Apple 36% of Safari search revenue, Sundar Pichai confirms

Breitbart

Google Antitrust Trial 2.0: CEO Sundar Pichai Tries to Defend App Store Monopoly

New York Post

Google CEO Sundar Pichai grilled over record-keeping at Google Play trial

Google

Epic Games

Antitrust

Sundar Pichai

App Store

Monopoly

Lawsuit

Google CEO Sundar Pichai testifies in court over allegations of Google's monopolistic practices by Epic Games. The trial could have significant implications for the app store business.

Google CEO Sundar Pichai Testifies in Epic Games Antitrust Trial

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