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Apple Faces Legal Setback in Epic Games Case: What It Means

by News Editor

May 1, 2025

The renowned tech giant, Apple, finds itself amid controversy as Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers issued a ruling revealing Apple’s violation of a 2021 injunction connected to the Epic Games lawsuit. The ruling highlights that Apple Vice President of Finance, Alex Roman, delivered false testimony under oath concerning their App Store fee structures.

Judge Rogers pointed out that the lies were not corrected by Apple or its counsel and referred the matter for potential criminal contempt charges. This is a significant blow to Apple’s conduct in the trial, which initially concluded in 2021 and faced appeals in 2023.

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Epic Games secured some wins, including directives that Apple must allow app developers to include purchase links leading outside Apple’s ecosystem within their apps. However, Apple’s introduction of a 27% commission on these purchases in 2024 ignited further legal tension, leading to Rogers accusing Apple of acting anticompetitively.

Internal documents presented by Apple were critiqued as “tailor-made for litigation,” while real discussions were allegedly concealed. The court’s decision mandates that Apple cease commissions on purchases from in-app web links immediately and requires Apple to cover Epic Games’ legal fees on this issue.

This development is a major win for developers. According to Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney, “This forces Apple to compete on a level playing field.” The broader implications of this ruling resonate within the tech and business communities, echoing the evolving dynamics of marketplace fairness and transparency.

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Competition Authority Launches Comprehensive Review of ExxonMobil Cyprus Acquisition

by THEFUTURE.TEAM

September 16, 2025

Investigation Initiated Over Strategic Acquisition

The Competition Protection Authority has commenced a thorough investigation into the acquisition of ExxonMobil Cyprus Limited’s share capital by Petrolina Holdings Public Ltd through Med Energywise Ltd. This inquiry was formally initiated following a session held on 10 September 2025, after an in-depth review of the pertinent report by the Authority’s Service.

Concerns Over Market Compatibility

Authorities have expressed serious concerns regarding the compatibility of the transaction with established competitive practices. The review indicates that the acquisition may affect several critical petroleum markets, both horizontally and vertically, thereby raising the potential for adverse impacts on market dynamics.

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Horizontal Market Dynamics

On the horizontal front, potential effects have been identified in the import market for petroleum products, as well as in both wholesale and retail distribution channels of these products. The consolidation is believed to increase the risk of price rises and coordinated actions, given the direct competitive proximity between Petrolina and ExxonMobil.

Vertical and Adjacent Market Implications

Vertical aspects of the merger are also under close scrutiny. The new entity could restrict competitors’ access to critical infrastructure such as storage facilities, supply channels, and customer bases. These restrictions could further affect the onshore distribution of fuels, the wholesale market for lubricants, and specialized technical services connected with fuel station operations.

Local Market Considerations

Particular attention is being paid to the potential concentration in the retail fuel market. The investigation suggests that a reduced competitive landscape within a four-kilometer radius of the companies’ fuel stations could lead to diminished local competition, adversely impacting consumer prices and options.

Next Steps and Industry Impact

The Competition Protection Authority, which reached a unanimous decision to pursue a full investigation, remains open to submissions from parties that might be affected by this transaction, as mandated by current legislation. A final decision is expected within four months upon receipt of all necessary evidence, potentially setting a significant precedent for future market consolidation cases in the energy sector.