In a preparatory conference, U.S District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers said that six attendees will be allowed in the courtroom for the Epic vs. Apple trial on May 3. The decision is based on the prevailing COVID-19 health crisis.
Earlier this month, Judge Rogers set May 3, 2021, for the trial but was indecisive whether the hearing should be in-person or via video link owing to COVID-19 precautionary measures. Calling the trial a significant landmark case, Judge Roger said that if the trial was heard fully-in person, she would limit the number of people present in the courtroom.
Judge Rogers allows only 6 attendees in the courtroom for the Epic vs. Apple trial on May 3
As people are getting vaccinated, there is a drop in coronavirus cases in San Francisco Bay Area so the courtrooms are open for in-person hearings. Therefore, Judge Rogers has decided for an in-person trial with COVID-19 precautionary measures. The significance of the case and concerns of false testimony were also reasons for making the decision.
She wants everyone to wear a mask, Epic Games and Apple are allowed to have six people in the courtroom at a time. All witnesses will have to wear clear masks so the judge can see the responses and wireless microphones will be given to the legal teams so they are heard clearly over the masks.
Judge Rogers said that Epic Games and Apple lawyers can use vacant courtrooms for legal meetings and if need be, they should rent office spaces near the courthouse. Press and Public will not be allowed to physically attend the trial but live audio of the hearing will be provided to them.
The trial will commence on May 3 for a bench will decide whether Epic Games will be permitted to bypass the iOS App Store commission rate and push a direct payment method for its Fortnite app or Apple will convince the bench to maintain the payment and distribution structure of the App Store.
via MacRumors
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