Apple challenges EU Commission’s App Store decision
The case, filed on 16 May 2024, challenges several aspects of the Commission’s findings, including market definition, anti-steering provisions, fine imposition, remedy proportionality, and violations of Apple’s defence rights.
On 16 May 2024, Apple Inc. and Apple Distribution International Ltd filed a case against the European Commission, contesting a decision regarding their App Store practices, particularly concerning music streaming services. Represented by a team of lawyers, Apple is seeking the annulment of the Commission’s decision from 4 March 2024, which imposed fines and remedies on the tech giant.
Apple’s legal action is based on five main arguments. Firstly, they argue that the European Commission made errors in defining the market and Apple’s dominance within it. Secondly, Apple claims the Commission wrongly deemed its anti-steering provisions as abusive. The third point of contention is the calculation and imposition of fines, which Apple believes were erroneous. Additionally, Apple contends that the remedies imposed were disproportionate and inadequately justified. Lastly, they argue that the decision infringed on their rights of defence.
The case highlights the ongoing tension between major tech companies and regulatory bodies over market practices and competition rules. Apple aims to overturn or mitigate the Commission’s decision, which could significantly affect how digital marketplaces operate within the European Union.
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