Apple v. Epic Games

The Court will consider whether Apple may be held in civil contempt for allegedly violating the “spirit” of an injunction when the order did not expressly bar its conduct. It will also examine limits on court-ordered relief beyond the parties in antitrust or competition cases.

The case has been accepted for review, but oral argument has not yet been scheduled. Apple challenges contempt based on an injunction's “spirit” and the Ninth Circuit's asserted antitrust or competition exception to limits on equitable relief.

The case could affect how clearly federal courts must write injunctions before penalizing a company for contempt. It could also affect businesses and consumers if courts can impose competition-related relief that reaches beyond the companies in a lawsuit.

Watch for the Court to schedule oral argument or take another scheduling step. No decision window is available yet.

The Court will decide whether civil contempt can rest on an injunction's “spirit” rather than conduct clearly barred by its text. It will also address limits on broader competition-related relief.

Companies subject to federal injunctions could be affected by the clarity required before contempt penalties. Businesses and consumers could also be affected by the scope of competition-law remedies.

The Court may schedule oral argument or make another scheduling move. No decision timing has been set.