Apple Files Countersuit Against Fortnite Developer Epic Games

Apple filed a countersuit against Fortnite developer Epic Games on Tuesday.

In its reply to Epic Games’ complaint for injunctive relief, Apple’s lawyers denied many of Epic Games’ claims and called the company’s conduct “willful, brazen, and unlawful.”

In a filing to a California district court, Apple slammed Epic for an alleged breach of contract after it inserted a “Trojan horse” into Fortnite — a direct payment method in-app purchases that by-passed Apple’s 30 percent cut.

In strong language, Apple says Epic’s conduct has threatened the existence of the iOS ecosystem and pushed back against Epic’s self-characterization as a “modern corporate Robin Hood.”

It says Epic wants to “reap the benefits of the App Store without paying for them” and holds a view it is “too successful to play by the same rules as everyone else.” Apple says that its relationship with Apple has earned Epic more than $600 million USD through in-app purchases.

“Epic’s flagrant disregard for its contractual commitments and other misconduct has caused significant harm to Apple,” the filing from Apple’s legal counsel says. “Left unchecked, Epic’s conduct threatens the very existence of the iOS ecosystem and its tremendous value to consumers.”

The game developer has argued in court filings that Apple is harming competition with its App Store practices and has asked for a preliminary injunction that would restore Fortnite to the App store.

A hearing is currently scheduled for later this month.