Aptoide, S.A. filed suit against Google LLC and four related entities on April 14, 2024, alleging the tech giant unlawfully monopolized Android app distribution and in-app billing markets through a web of exclusionary agreements and technical restrictions that foreclosed competition.
The complaint centers on Google's use of Mobile Application Distribution Agreements and Revenue Sharing Agreements with device manufacturers that allegedly require preferential treatment for Google Play Store. According to the suit, Google conditions access to essential services like Gmail and Google Maps on manufacturers agreeing to preinstall Google Play prominently while blocking competing app stores from comparable placement.
Aptoide, which alleges it operates the world's third-largest Android app store with over 200 million users and 436,000 apps, claims Google's conduct extends beyond manufacturer agreements to include developer restrictions, user-facing barriers, and leveraging of its search monopoly. The complaint details how Google allegedly prevents competing app stores from being listed on Google Play itself and creates technical hurdles that make "sideloading" alternative stores difficult for users.
The lawsuit references recent antitrust cases against Google, including the Epic Games jury verdict that found Google willfully maintained monopolies in Android app distribution and in-app billing markets, and the federal court ruling in United States v. Google LLC that found Google illegally maintained its search monopoly through exclusionary agreements.
Aptoide seeks treble damages and injunctive relief under the Sherman Act, California's Cartwright Act, and California's Unfair Competition Law across sixteen counts challenging Google's alleged conduct in both app distribution and in-app payment processing markets.