Apple has to face $1 billion lawsuit in court in the UK

Apple has tried and failed to have a lawsuit in the UK dismissed, one that's valued at nearly $1 billion, brought against the company by 1,500 UK-based developers. A UK court ruled earlier today that the suit can be brought, and will thus proceed to trial - although this step will most likely only take place next year.

The suit alleges that Apple charged the developers in question unfair commission fees of up to 30% on purchases of apps and other content. The plaintiffs say Apple is abusing its dominant position in the market for the distribution of apps on iPhones and other Apple devices and are thus seeking damages.

Interestingly, Apple's lawyer argued at a hearing in January that developers cannot have a claim in the UK unless they were charged on purchases made through the UK App Store. The judge disagreed, saying "Apple's overcharging of commission to app developers based in the UK in relation to commerce transacted on non-UK storefronts did amount to conduct implemented in the UK".

This is of course not the first time Apple's faced allegations like these. In the EU, the company is now forced to allow alternative app stores as well as let developers charge people outside of the App Store if they so wish.

Source