Alphabet loses case to Epic

Google Play wilfully wields monopoly via its Android software, jurors said after month-long trial in San Francisco

• The ruling could jeopardize billions of dollars of revenue generated by Google's app store

Google's mobile app store maintains a monopoly in the market for distribution of programs and payments on its Android software, a federal jury in California decided, dealing a blow to the technology giant in a high-stakes antitrust battle with Epic Games Inc.

The internet giant's Play store wilfully wields monopoly power through the AIphabet Inc. unit's anticompetitive conduct, jurors found Monday after deliberating less than four hours following a nearly month-long trial in San Francisco. The ruling could potentially jeopardize billions of dollars of revenue generated by Google's app store. Epic largely lost a similar challenge to Apple Inc.'s app store two years ago.

US district judge James Donato, who oversaw the trial, will decide whether Google must open the door for payment and app distribution methods outside its own app store following the verdict that Google Play policies are unlawful.