A federal judge has granted a partial stay on the changes ordered to Google’s Play Store in an antitrust case brought by Epic Games, temporarily halting some of the provisions while Google appeals.
The court issued the pause just weeks before Google was set to implement significant changes to its Android ecosystem, which would allow third-party app stores greater access to the Google Play Store.
On Friday, U.S. District Judge James Donato issued the stay following Google’s request to delay the implementation of a permanent injunction, initially set to take effect on Nov. 1.
While Google sought a full stay, Donato granted a partial one. This means that some parts of the injunction are paused until the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals reviews Google’s appeal.
Paragraph 8 of the injunction—which prevents Google from enforcing agreements that prevent app developers from communicating with users about alternative payment methods—remains in effect.
Google, in an emailed statement to The Epoch Times, expressed satisfaction with the court’s decision to partially delay the changes.
“We’re pleased with the District Court’s decision to temporarily pause the implementation of dangerous remedies demanded by Epic, as the Court of Appeal considers our request to further pause the remedies while we appeal,” a Google spokesperson said in the email.
“These remedies threaten Google Play’s ability to provide a safe and secure experience, and we look forward to continuing to make our case to protect 100 million U.S. Android users, over 500,000 U.S. developers, and thousands of partners who have benefited from our platforms.”
A jury found Google guilty in December 2023, paving the way for Donato’s Oct. 7 ruling, which ordered Google to allow third-party app stores and alternative payment methods on the Play Store.
Google has argued that the changes would harm the security and integrity of its Android ecosystem, especially given the short timeline to implement them.
Epic Games contends that Google had ample time to prepare and that further delays would harm consumers and developers who are ready to launch alternative app stores.
Google’s appeal is now under review by the Ninth Circuit, with certain provisions of the injunction set to take effect Nov. 1 unless the court grants a broader stay.
