Google Gains Temporary Reprieve as Court Delays Play Store Antitrust Modifications Pending Appeal

SAN FRANCISCO — A federal judge in San Francisco has delayed a mandate that required Google to dismantle exclusivity barriers within its Android app store, waiting for an appellate court to weigh in on Google’s condemnation as a monopolist. The decision temporarily preserves Google’s operational framework until the appeal is decided, a legal process that could extend well into the future. This judicial pause follows the December 2023 jury verdict that labeled Google’s Play Store as monopolistic, claiming it suppressed innovation and artificially raised prices for consumers. Google had been facing the prospect of implementing … Read more

Game-Changing Ruling: Google Must Open Play Store to Third-Party Apps and Payment Options

San Francisco, California – A recent court ruling has significantly altered the dynamics of how apps are distributed and monetized on the digital landscape, potentially reshaping the app economy valued at over $250 billion. On October 7, U.S. District Judge James Donato ordered Alphabet-owned Google to cease exclusive dealings with app developers and phone manufacturers which mandate pre-installation of the Play Store and use of in-app billing systems. This decision opens the gates for app developers to introduce alternative payment methods in their applications. The ruling emerged from a protracted legal battle spearheaded by Epic … Read more

Pet Store Chain Sues Lexington Over New Ordinance Banning Cat and Dog Sales, Citing Unconstitutionality

Lexington, Ky. – A major pet retailer is taking legal action against the Lexington-Fayette Urban County Government, challenging a new ordinance that prohibits the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores. The legislation, aimed to combat puppy mills and promote animal adoption from shelters, has ignited a fierce debate between the local government and business owners. Petland, a national chain, filed the lawsuit last Friday in an attempt to halt the implementation of the ordinance scheduled to commence on November 1. This legal challenge arises as supporters of the law argue that it will … Read more

Liquor Store Sues Burger Chain Over Driveway Dispute, Citing Revenue Loss from Blocked Access

Texarkana, Texas – A local liquor store, alongside its lessor, has initiated legal action against a neighboring Whataburger franchise, claiming that newly installed barriers in a shared parking lot are jeopardizing their business by restricting customer access. The suit, addressing a dispute that has simmered over decades of property use, was lodged on October 3 in Miller County Circuit Court. The plaintiffs, the Party Factory and the Oliver Family Trust, allege that the installation of six posts by Double H Burger Co., the franchise operator, in June 2024 severely disrupted their drive-thru service – a … Read more