The ongoing lawsuit between Apple and Fortnite studio Epic Games has reached a new development as the judge who is overseeing the case has determined Apple may not limit the length of Tim Cook’s testimony.
The trial, which will see Apple and Epic Games take the stand over Apple’s App Store policies, is primed to begin as early as July 2021. However, Judge Thomas Hixson has issued an order which has determined that Apple will be unable to limit the length of CEO Tim Cook’s testimony during the trial, as reported by The Verge.
Originally, the iPhone marker wished to limit the length of Cook’s testimony to four hours. However, Judge Hixson’s order states that once Apple provides the appropriate documents to Epic Games’ lawyers regarding Apple’s App Store operations will the length of Cook’s testimony be determined.
Additionally, the judge rejected Apple’s request to replace software engineering chief Craig Federighi with the director of privacy engineering Erik Neuenschwander on the case. While Federighi may not have to necessarily testify, Apple’s chief is listed as a document custodian. This will play a role in which documents may be entered into the case per the request of Epic Games’ lawyers.
The order was first spotted by iMore and can be read in full. The case will reach the deadline for new filings on January 6th, 2021. A hearing will then follow two days after on January 8th.
