US Judge Rules Apple in Willful Contempt of Court Over Antitrust Violations
Apple faces potential criminal charges for violating antitrust orders aimed at its App Store practices, according to a scathing ruling from a federal judge.
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers of the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California issued a scathing ruling against Apple on Wednesday.
Judge rules Apple 'willfully' violated antitrust order
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What makes this ruling so remarkable isn’t just the scathing language or even the criminal referral — it’s the sheer pointlessness of Apple’s defiance.
Judge In Apple / Epic Case Is Spitting Mad At Apple’s Willful Contempt
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The evidence “more than meets the clear and convincing standard to find a violation,” Rogers ruled as she referring the matter to the US Attorney’s office to consider criminal contempt charges against Apple and relevant individuals.
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The judge referred the matter to the U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of California to investigate whether criminal contempt proceedings are appropriate.
Apple violated injunction in antitrust case, judge finds
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Gonzalez Rogers suggested at an earlier hearing that changes made by Apple to its App Store had no purpose “other than to stifle competition”.
Apple referred to federal prosecutors after judge rules it violated court order
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The injunction was supposed to block Apple from anticompetitive conduct and pricing, opening the App Store up to outside payment options.
Apple referred for possible criminal contempt investigation
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Apple not only didn’t comply, it did so “willfully” and with the intent of creating new anticompetitive barriers.
Epic Games just scored a win against Apple
TechCrunch·2d·ReliableThis source consistently reports facts with minimal bias, demonstrating high-quality journalism and accuracy.CenterThis outlet is balanced or reflects centrist views.Apple’s continued attempts to interfere with competition will not be tolerated.
Court sides with Fortnite maker Epic as Apple sanctioned for defying order in App Store case
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The time frame is simple enough.
Fortnite Is Making Its Way Back to the Apple App Store
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Apple pursued its noncompliance strategy “with the express intent to create new anticompetitive barriers which would, by design and in effect, maintain a valued revenue stream; a revenue stream previously found to be anticompetitive.”
Apple May Face Criminal Charges for Allegedly Lying to a Federal Judge
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Apple's conduct in court represents a "clear and convincing violation" of her initial injunction that has been referred to the District Attorney for Northern California "to investigate whether criminal contempt proceedings are appropriate."
Fortnitewill return to iOS as court slams Apple’s “interference“ and ”cover-up“
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Gonzalez Rogers suggested at an earlier hearing that changes made by Apple to its App Store had no purpose "other than to stifle competition."
US judge rules Apple violated order to reform App Store | Business
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Summary
A federal judge has ruled that Apple willfully violated a prior injunction intended to enhance competition in the App Store, prompting a referral for potential criminal contempt proceedings. Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers criticized Apple's actions, describing them as deliberate efforts to maintain anticompetitive barriers, including hiding evidence and lying under oath. Apple executives, including CEO Tim Cook, were singled out for disregarding compliance advice. This ruling follows a series of antitrust fines and lawsuits, including a recent $571 million penalty from the European Commission. In a notable development, Epic Games announced plans to resubmit Fortnite on iOS following the ruling.
Perspectives
Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers ruled that Apple willfully violated a prior court injunction requiring it to allow more competition in app payments and download methods.
Epic Games claimed victory, stating that the ruling will enable it to reinstate Fortnite on the iOS App Store, providing users with alternative payment choices.
Apple plans to appeal the ruling, insisting that it has complied with the injunction while upholding its business model.
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