JAKARTA - Paris' Commercial Court on Monday 19 December fined US company maker of the iPhone, Apple Inc., more than 1 million euros (Rp 16.5 billion) for imposing a rough commercial clause on French app developers for access to the company's App Store.
The ruling, seen by Reuters, said there was no need to order Apple, which has a market value of around US$2.1 trillion, to amend the App Store clause because the EU Digital Markets Act that came in would require changes in any way.
Despite its small size compared to the huge profits generated by Apple, the Paris court fine is another sign of the legal pressure Apple is facing to loosen its grip on the App Store, which has so far been the only gateway for developers of alternative apps to access customers on iPhones.
An Apple spokesperson said the US company would review the decision and believe "in a dynamic and competitive market where innovation can thrive."
"Through the App Store, we have helped French developers of various sizes of sharing their passions and creativity with users around the world while creating a safe and trusted place for customers," the spokesperson added.
Apple faces increased antitrust surveillance over its contract practices following the adoption of a new EU law targeting so-called digital online "gatekeepers" - a technology company whose platforms and software become unavoidable for smaller digital companies.
The Digital Markets Act (DMA) will specifically force Apple and fellow technology giants Google to provide space for third-party app stores on iOS and Android devices.
DMA took effect on November 1 and now has a six-month implementation stage before it will be fully implemented from May 2, 2023.
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