A federal jury has awarded Epic Games $7 billion in damages against Google, finding that the Google Play Store's mandatory payment system constituted an illegal monopoly that harmed developers and consumers.

The Verdict

The jury found Google used exclusive deals, revenue sharing agreements with carriers, and technical barriers to prevent competition in Android app distribution. The damages represent trebled antitrust penalties.

What Changes

Google must open Android to competing app stores and payment systems within 18 months. The ruling could reshape the entire mobile app economy.