Epic Games files preliminary injunction to allow 'Fortnite' back on Apple App Store

Epic Games' latest move following its developer account termination by Apple is asking the courts to allow Fortnite back on the App Store and restore its developer account. Epic claims in its filing that it was challenging Apple "because it was the right thing to do" and that it was "better positioned than many other companies to weather the storm." Epic calls Apple a "monopolist" who keeps its dominant spot by "explicitly prohibiting any competitive entry" when it comes to in-app payment processing and app distribution.

But while it can weather the said storm, the developer said that Fortnite not being available on the App Store will cause it to "likely suffer irreparable harm." That the "balance of harms tips strongly in Epic's favour," with daily iOS active users dropping by over 60% since its removal from Apple's storefront.

In the past, Apple has said that it would restore Fortnite if Epic got rid of its direct payment option in the app, which Epic refuses to do. This purchase option escalated the legal fight between the two companies.

The preliminary injunction was filed on Friday, September 4, in the United States District Court for California's Northern District. The hearing will take place on September 28.

Source: MacRumors