Apple has approved the Epic Games Store for operation in the European Union, following public complaints from Epic Games about alleged repeated rejections that the gaming company argued violated EU law.

On Friday morning, the Epic Games Newsroom took to social media platform X (formerly Twitter) to accuse Apple of twice rejecting the Epic Games Store notarization submission due to the similarities between Epic’s “Install” button and Apple’s “Get” button, as well as the “In-app purchases” labels.

“Apple has rejected our Epic Games Store notarization submission twice now, claiming the design and position of Epic’s ‘Install’ button is too similar to Apple’s ‘Get’ button and that our ‘In-app purchases’ label is too similar to the App Store’s ‘In-App Purchases’ label,” the Epic Games Newsroom initially posted.

These posts quickly gained traction, receiving over 811,400 views and 5,000 likes.

Epic Games argued that naming buttons “Install” and “In-app purchases” is a standard industry convention and that Apple’s actions were “arbitrary, obstructive, and in violation” of the EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA).

Shortly after going public with these complaints, Epic Games announced that Apple had accepted the Epic Games Store notarization submission.

“Update: Apple has informed us that our previously rejected Epic Games Store notarization submission has now been accepted,” the Epic Games Newsroom posted on X Friday afternoon.

Epic Games CEO Tim Sweeney also shared the news, expressing relief that “development is back on track” but also criticizing delays in using Apple’s TestFlight program.

A representative from Apple confirmed to NBC News that the Epic Sweden AB Marketplace app had been approved. However, Apple has requested that Epic Games make the Marketplace interface less similar to Apple’s App Store in future updates.

Responding to a request for comment, Elka Looks, director of corporate communications at Epic Games, referred to the latest Epic Games Newsroom post on X, which says: “Apple has told some press channels that, though they have approved our current EGS iOS App for notarization, they are still demanding Epic change the user interface in a future version. Epic is disputing this.”

The Epic-Apple Antitrust Battle: A Long and Winding Road

The recent development is just the latest chapter in the protracted legal and regulatory battle between Epic Games and Apple, a conflict that has significant implications for the broader app ecosystem.

The confrontation began in August 2020 when Epic Games introduced a direct payment system in its popular game Fortnite, bypassing Apple’s in-app purchase system and its 30% commission fee. Apple swiftly responded by removing Fortnite from the App Store, prompting Epic to file a lawsuit accusing Apple of monopolistic practices.

Epic’s lawsuit claimed that Apple’s control over the App Store stifled competition and innovation, arguing that the 30% commission fee was exorbitant and unfair. Apple defended its practices, stating that its App Store policies ensured security and privacy for users.

Courtroom Drama and Regulatory Scrutiny

In September 2021, a U.S. district court ruled on the case, delivering a mixed verdict. The court ordered Apple to allow developers to direct users to alternative payment methods, which was seen as a win for Epic. However, the court also ruled that Apple was not a monopolist and did not need to reinstate Fortnite or allow Epic to implement its own in-app payment system on iOS.

Both companies appealed aspects of the decision, prolonging the legal battle. Meanwhile, the conflict drew the attention of regulators worldwide, including the European Commission, which opened an investigation into Apple’s compliance with the DMA.

The Digital Markets Act, A New Opportunity for Epic

The EU’s Digital Markets Act (DMA), designed to curb the market dominance of tech giants, has been pivotal in Epic’s efforts to re-establish its presence on iOS. Under the DMA, platforms like Apple’s App Store are required to allow greater flexibility and competition, paving the way for Epic Games to launch its own store on iOS with reduced commissions to Apple.

While this regulatory environment has facilitated Epic’s recent success in getting its store approved, the friction between the two companies remains palpable. Apple’s insistence on further changes to the Epic Games Store interface suggests that this conflict is far from resolved.

This ongoing battle between Epic Games and Apple is expected to have far-reaching implications for the tech industry. For developers and consumers, the outcome could significantly alter how digital content is purchased and consumed on major platforms.

Epic’s determination to challenge Apple’s policies reflects a broader push for more equitable revenue-sharing models and greater developer autonomy. As the dispute continues to unfold, it will likely influence regulatory approaches in other jurisdictions and inspire similar challenges against dominant tech platforms.

For now, the approval of the Epic Games Store in the EU marks a significant, albeit temporary, victory for Epic Games. However, with both companies entrenched in their positions, the faceoff is expected to continue, shaping the future of digital commerce and app store policies.

Epic has vowed to continue calling Apple out.

In a landmark decision, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Community Court of Justice has ruled against the Nigerian government for its disproportionate use of force against #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Tollgate in October 2020.

The ruling, delivered by Justice Koroma Mohamed Sengu, highlights severe violations of human rights and mandates compensation for the victims.

The court condemned the Nigerian government’s response to the peaceful protests, noting the excessive and lethal force used by security forces. The court found that live rounds were fired into the crowd of unarmed protesters, causing numerous casualties. This, it said, constituted a breach of multiple international human rights standards, including Articles 1, 5, 6, 9, 10, and 11 of the African Charter on Human and Peoples’ Rights.

In his ruling, Justice Sengu stated, “The disproportionate use of force by the Nigerian security forces at the Lekki Tollgate was unnecessary and violated the fundamental rights of the protesters to life, liberty, security, and freedom of assembly and expression.”

Following the decision, the court ordered the Nigerian government to pay N2 million in compensation to each of the victims named in the suit. It also mandated the government to conduct thorough investigations into the human rights abuses that occurred, to implement the outcomes of these investigations.

Additionally, the government was instructed to report back to the court within six months with an update on both the compensation and the progress of the inquiry.

The Backstory of the Legal Battle

The case was brought before the ECOWAS Court by a coalition of human rights activists and organizations, alleging severe human rights violations by Nigerian security forces.

Amnesty International also submitted an Amicus Brief, which the court admitted. The court’s decision was based on a comprehensive examination of evidence and testimonies, which confirmed the government’s use of excessive force and its failure to allow the protesters their rights to freedom of expression, assembly, and association.

Bolaji Gabari, lead counsel for the applicants, hailed the ruling as a significant victory for the #EndSARS movement.

“This judgment is an acknowledgment that citizens’ rights were violated and that abuses occurred at Lekki Tollgate,” Gabari said. “We urge the Nigerian government to comply fully with the court’s orders and address the systemic issues identified in the judgment.”

Mojirayo Ogunlana, another counsel of the applicants, recalled that the Nigerian government initially failed to present a defense until 2023. When it finally did, the government claimed the EndSARS peaceful protest was unlawful and perpetuated by hoodlums.

“The landmark ruling by the ECOWAS Court in favor of EndSARS victims is a powerful affirmation of justice and a significant step towards healing and accountability for the Lekki Tollgate tragedy,” added Nelson Olanipekun, Executive Director at Gavel, the coordinating organization for the coalition.

The EndSARS Story

On October 20, 2020, Nigerian security forces fired at peaceful and unarmed protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, marking a violent end to the #EndSARS protests. These protests had begun organically in Delta State 17 days earlier and quickly spread across the country, with calls for justice against police brutality.

In December 2021, three victims brought the case, Obianuju Catherine & 2 Others v. Federal Republic of Nigeria (ECW/CCJ/APP/72/2021), before the ECOWAS Court to seek justice for themselves and others affected by the violations. The court’s verdict builds on findings from a judicial panel set up by the Lagos State government, which concluded that Nigerian Army officers “provocatively and unjustifiably” shot at and killed several #EndSARS protesters.

In November 2021, a judicial panel set up on October 19, 2020, by the Lagos State government to probe the Lekki Massacre, concluded their investigation, after interviewing many witnesses and examining available evidence. It found that there was a killing of unarmed protesters by the Nigerian security forces at Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020.

In a 309-page report, which was submitted to the Lagos State government, the panel reported that officers of the Nigerian Army “provocatively and unjustifiably” shot live bullets and killed several #EndSARS protesters at the Lekki Tollgate, and then took their corpses away.

The panel concluded its report, listing the names of those killed and making several key recommendations.

The panel called for disciplinary actions against officers who obstructed the investigation, specifically Lt. Col S.O. Bello and Major General Godwin Umelo, for refusing to honor the summons.

“All officers (excluding Major General Omata) and men of the Nigerian Army deployed to the Lekki Toll Gate on October 20, 2020, should face appropriate disciplinary action, be stripped of their status, and dismissed, as they are not fit and proper to serve in any public or security service of the nation,” the report stated.

Additionally, the panel recommended that all arrested protesters be granted bail and prosecuted if evidence exists or released immediately if no prima facie evidence is found.

The panel also advised against the Nigerian Army’s involvement in internal security matters.

Furthermore, the Divisional Police Officer of Maroko Police Station, along with officers deployed from the station on October 20th and 21st, 2020, should be prosecuted for arbitrary and indiscriminate shooting and killing of protesters.

Despite the government’s denial that the killings happened, in July 2023, A leaked memo addressed to the Lagos State Ministry of Health indicated that the State Government approved N61,285,000 for the mass burial of 103 persons identified as 2020 EndSARS victims, sparking outrage.

While the ruling by the ECOWAS Court brings a measure of reprieve to the victims, many have expressed concern that the Nigerian government, notorious for disobedience to court orders, will not abide by the judgment.

The government has yet to implement any of the recommendations made by the panel set up by the Lagos State Government. Nonetheless, many believe the judgment represents a crucial step towards justice and accountability for the victims of the Lekki Tollgate tragedy and the broader #EndSARS protest.