Apple is facing a new class action lawsuit over allegations that it violated an injunction regarding App Store policies. Law firm Hagens Berman filed the lawsuit on behalf of developers, arguing that Apple intentionally made it economically disadvantageous to use alternative payment systems, despite a court order.
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The lawsuit, as reported by 9to5mMac, stems from a ruling by Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers last month that barred Apple from charging fees or preventing users from making payments outside the App Store. However, the plaintiffs allege that the company has implemented new rules that effectively nullify the ruling.
In a press release, the law firm representing the plaintiffs, Hagens Berman, said the lead plaintiff in the case is Pure Sweat Basketball, the developer of an app used by basketball players across the country to train and improve their skills. However, Pure Sweat is not allowed to sell subscriptions directly through its app, despite the court’s ruling.
Lawyers estimate that Apple’s actions have harmed more than 100,000 developers, who were prevented from selling digital goods and subscriptions directly to their customers. Instead, they were forced to pay Apple transaction fees that it “had no right to demand,” according to the lawsuit.
It’s worth noting that this isn’t the first time Hagens Berman has faced Apple in court. The same firm was behind the previous lawsuit from indie developers, which ultimately led to changes in the App Store policy and the creation of a $100 million developer aid fund.
Apple, in turn, does not agree with the court ruling and has already filed an appeal. The company also states that it complies with all regulations and has made appropriate changes to the App Store rules. However, developers believe that these amendments are formal in nature and do not provide real freedom of choice.