What Do Apple’s Legal Battles Signal About Technology Litigation?

One of the biggest names in technology dominated headlines in 2023, but not because of an innovative product offering or popular service. Apple, which was just dethroned as the most valuable company in the world by Microsoft with a market cap of $2.875 trillion, has been receiving pushback from federal regulators and market players alike as they attempt to rein in the tech giant amid claims of monopolistic practices.

Last year seemed to be one of the most tumultuous for Apple in terms of litigation, and 2024 is projected to be even more stringent for the iPhone maker, with a regulatory investigation by the Justice Department projected to have major implications for both the company and industry as a whole. Let’s take a quick look at Apple’s recent disputes and explore how this investigation might fundamentally alter the technology litigation landscape as we know it.

Apple’s 2023 Legal Conflicts to Reshape the Tech Landscape

In 2023, Apple was embroiled in several notable legal cases that spanned across multiple sectors, including gaming, wearable devices, payments, and battery technology. These included the continuation of the Epic Games versus Apple antitrust appeal, a legal battle with the pulse oximetry company Masimo, and ongoing developments in cases related to the App Store and user privacy. The Epic Games versus Apple case, centered on the monopolistic practices in the App Store, challenged the traditional revenue models and gatekeeping roles of large tech companies. This case, along with the dispute with Masimo over intellectual property used in their Apple Watch products, brings into focus issues of market dominance, competitive fairness, and the protection of proprietary technology.

Each of these cases represented significant legal and regulatory challenges for Apple, highlighting the complex and evolving nature of legal issues faced by major tech companies. The outcomes and ongoing nature of these disputes have prompted broader industry discussions on fair competition, app store policies, and the balance between innovation and regulation. The intense scrutiny over Apple’s App Store, for instance, has the potential to redefine how digital platforms operate, possibly leading to more open ecosystems and alternative app distribution channels. Additionally, the intellectual property disputes highlight the delicate balance between protecting innovation and fostering competitive markets.

Technology Litigation: Impending Antitrust Action Against Apple

While tech players took to the courts to battle Apple over intellectual property and antitrust claims last year, the United States Justice Department ramped up its ongoing investigation into the company’s monopolistic practices. This probe, which began in 2019, focuses on whether Apple’s App Store and iOS rules are anti-competitive and stifle competitors. The investigation has widened to consider not only Apple’s App Store policies but also how its operating system, iOS, might be operating in a way that favors its products over those of external developers.

The Justice Department has been actively working on drafting a potential antitrust complaint against Apple, and the increased involvement of higher-ups in the DOJ, more litigators assigned to the case, and heightened requests for documents and consultations with companies connected to the investigation highlight the seriousness of this probe. This scrutiny is part of a larger examination of Apple’s practices regarding mobile third-party software on its devices and the potential anticompetitive nature of its systems.

Specifically, the DOJ’s investigation could impact the technology sector in the following ways:

Changing App Store Dynamics: If the investigation leads to regulatory changes in how Apple operates its App Store, it could open up the market to more competition. This might lead to Apple reducing its commission rates or allowing alternative app stores or payment systems on its devices, which would significantly impact app developers and other tech companies.
Impact on iOS Ecosystem: If the investigation finds that iOS operates in an anti-competitive manner, Apple may have to alter how it integrates its own services and apps within iOS. This could provide a more level playing field for third-party developers and competitors.
Global Regulatory Impact: The U.S. investigation might influence other countries to take similar regulatory actions. This could lead to a more fragmented global tech market with different rules and regulations in different regions.
Innovation and Consumer Impact: Changes in the competitive landscape might drive innovation as companies adapt to new regulations. This could potentially benefit consumers with better services, more choices, and lower prices.
Legal Precedents and Business Practices: The investigation’s outcomes might establish new legal precedents, influencing future antitrust cases and altering standard business practices in the tech industry.

Considering these implications, it would be remiss not to recognize the massive potential for litigation this regulatory action creates in the space. Especially since this type of investigation isn’t just occurring in the US; Apple is also facing antitrust complaints and regulatory action in various countries, including significant changes in the EU under the Digital Markets Act. The outcome of these investigations and potential lawsuits could have far-reaching effects on Apple’s business practices, particularly concerning its App Store and iOS platform, and could set precedents affecting the broader tech industry globally.

How Can Experts Help Prepare for an Increase in Technology Litigation?

Apple’s recent case outcomes and impending investigation resolution undoubtedly mark a time of significant change in the tech space. These actions may have broader market implications and set the precedent on how other large tech companies interact with the market, while also opening them up to increased scrutiny and legal action. As a result, the tech industry is poised for a possible paradigm shift, where regulatory changes and industry practices evolve to address these emerging challenges. This evolution could lead to more robust privacy frameworks and a redefined landscape for app developers, ultimately reshaping user experiences and business strategies across the tech world.

Considering these potential implications, those in the tech space should start engaging with industry experts now in order to stay ahead of the curve when it comes to future conflicts, specifically antitrust litigation. A technology-based expert team could feature the following:

Academics who study antitrust and competition law who can interpret antitrust laws and assess whether a company’s practices constitute anti-competitive behavior. They can provide insights into how antitrust law applies to the tech industry’s unique aspects.
Economic experts who specialize in market analysis can assess the competitive effects of Apple’s practices on the market. They can offer insights into market dynamics, pricing strategies, and the impact on consumers and competitors.
Technology and software development experts who can explain the technical aspects of specific operating systems. They can provide insights into how these technologies work and their implications for developers and competitors.
Industry analysts who can provide a broader view of the tech industry, including trends, competitive dynamics, and the potential impact of any changes mandated by antitrust actions.
Consumer behavior specialists who understand how specific policies affect consumers and can offer insights into consumer choices, app purchasing behaviors, and the impact of app store policies on consumer welfare.
Digital marketplaces and e-commerce experts who are specialists in digital marketplaces can provide insights into the functioning and regulation of online platforms, including app stores, and how they compare with traditional marketplaces.
Technical experts who can address issues related to potential infringement of intellectual property or misuse of proprietary technology.

At DOAR, we have affiliated with experts in technology litigation who understand the complexities of various industry sectors and can help counsel and their tech clients prepare for major market shifts. Our experts include world-class teams of diverse individuals from academia, industry, and government who have the experience to support parties involved in significant, high-risk technology litigation.