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Judge Withholds Approval of Google–Epic Games Antitrust Settlement Pending Review

By  |  November 6, 2025

A federal judge is pausing approval of a proposed antitrust settlement between Google and Epic Games Inc., saying he wants to ensure the agreement truly benefits consumers and fosters competition in the mobile app market. According to Bloomberg, U.S. District Judge James Donato stated that he would withhold final approval until he fully examines the details of the pact, which the companies claim will improve the way Android apps are distributed and monetized.

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    The settlement emerged following a long-running legal battle over Google’s control of its Google Play app store and payment system. Epic Games had accused the tech giant of operating an illegal monopoly by forcing developers to use its billing service and restricting competition. Per Bloomberg, Donato emphasized that his focus is on confirming whether the proposed terms deliver meaningful change for app developers and users alike.

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    The ongoing scrutiny follows a December 11, 2023 jury verdict that found Google guilty of maintaining an illegal monopoly in Android app distribution. The jury unanimously sided with Epic, concluding that Google engaged in anticompetitive behavior and improperly tied different parts of its business to sustain dominance. The case marked one of the most significant antitrust rulings against a major tech platform in recent years.

    Related: Epic Games CEO Backs Google’s App Store Settlement

    In October 2024, Donato issued a sweeping order that could reshape the app marketplace by requiring Google to open its Play Store to rival app stores for three years. However, according to Bloomberg, Google appealed nearly all portions of that decision, leaving most of it suspended as the case moves through higher courts. Only one part of Donato’s order remains intact pending appeal.

    Separately, Donato gave tentative approval to a $700 million settlement between Google and a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general, which resolves similar allegations of market abuse.

    Source: Bloomberg