On Monday, November 26, 2018, the U.S. Supreme Court heard oral arguments for Apple, Inc. v. Pepper. At issue is whether Apple device (e.g., iPhone, iPad, etc.) users who buy apps from Apple’s App Store may sue Apple for alleged antitrust violations, or whether only app developers may bring such claims. The 9th Circuit below held that the class-action app purchasers have the standing to seek antitrust damages because of Apple “functions” as a “distributor” when it delivers apps to purchasers. Resolution of the case hinges on properly applying Illinois Brick Co. v. Illinois, 431 U.S. 720 (1977), which held that only the direct purchaser of a good or service may sue an allegedly abusive monopolist for damages.

Please join us as Mr. Cory L. Andrews, who filed an amicus curiae brief in the case on behalf of the Washington Legal Foundation, attended oral argument and will discuss the case’s likely outcome and impact.

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