Apple attempted but failed to dismiss a nearly $1 billion lawsuit filed by 1,500 UK-based developers. The UK court ruled today to proceed with the case, slated for trial next year.
The lawsuit accuses Apple of imposing unfair commission fees of up to 30% on app and content purchases by developers. The plaintiffs claim that Apple is exploiting its dominant market position in app distribution on iPhones and other Apple devices and are seeking damages.
During a hearing in January, Apple’s lawyer argued that UK developers could not file a claim unless they were charged for purchases through the UK App Store. However, the judge disagreed, stating that Apple’s excessive commission charged to UK-based developers for transactions on non-UK platforms constituted UK-based conduct.
This is not Apple’s first encounter with such accusations. In the EU, Apple is now obligated to allow alternative app stores and permit developers to charge users outside of the App Store if they choose to do so.
