Developers have sued Apple Inc. over the costs associated with selling apps on the company’s App Store, accusing the tech business of monopolizing app distribution.
The lawsuit, which was filed in California on Tuesday, claims that the plaintiffs are forced to sell their iOS apps through the App Store because Apple AAPL, +3.66% has a monopoly over app distribution. It says the company has charged developers a commission of 30% for nearly 11 years on selling apps and products within the apps. The suit also alleges the company restricts pricing.
“Apple blatantly abuses its market power to the detriment of developers, who are forced to use the only platform available to them to sell their iOS app,” Steve Berman, the developers’ attorney and managing partner at Hagens Berman, said Tuesday.
An Apple spokesman said the company doesn’t comment on lawsuits and directed The Wall Street Journal to information about its App Store on its website.
An expanded version of this report appears on WSJ.com.
Also popular on WSJ.com:
Jeff Bezos buys Fifth Avenue condo spread for around $80 million.
The Morehouse student loan gift, through the eyes of previous grads.
Add Comment