Google CEO Sundar Pichai is slated to testify on Tuesday in the ongoing landmark antitrust lawsuit brought against Google by Epic Games. Epic alleges that Google’s Android app store, Google Play, operates illegally as a monopoly. Pichai’s scheduled courtroom appearance has been eagerly expected since he was named on Epic’s initial witness list. As the chief decision maker at Google, Pichai’s testimony could prove pivotal in the trial over Google’s app marketplace policies and fees.

Pichai’s Upcoming Testimony Crucial Moment in Epic’s Case Against Google 

Sundar Pichai testifying has been a much anticipated possibility since before the trial started, given his powerful role as CEO of Google and its parent company Alphabet. Epic has made central claims that Google systematically destroyed evidence related to the case, raising the stakes for Pichai’s time on the stand. Epic is expected to question Pichai sharply on Google’s alleged anticompetitive practices in the Android app ecosystem. His statements under oath will be closely analyzed in this landmark antitrust case against the tech giant.

Google Takes Steps to Prepare for Pichai’s Courtroom Appearance

In an indication that Pichai is highly likely to testify on Tuesday, Google has requested the use of a podium for him in the courtroom. This follows Pichai using a podium instead of sitting during previous testimony, reportedly due to back pain. The judge granted Google’s request for Pichai to use a podium during his appearance. The company’s efforts to accommodate Pichai point toward an imminent high-profile appearance by its CEO in the pivotal trial. 

Epic Calling Pichai to Bolster Claims of Illegal Monopoly by Google

Epic Games plans to call Sundar Pichai as a witness to help substantiate its allegations that Google Play operates as an unlawful monopoly under antitrust law. Epic filed suit against Google over policies and fees for apps in its Google Play store for Android devices. Questioning the all-powerful CEO is a key strategy for Epic as it seeks to prove anticompetitive conduct by Google in the mobile app marketplace. Pichai’s testimony could make or break this part of Epic’s case.

Pichai’s Time on Stand May Shed Light on Google’s App Marketplace Strategy 

As the top leader at Google, Sundar Pichai’s statements on the witness stand have the potential to provide rare and valuable insights into the company’s strategic thinking around its app store. Google holds a dominant position in software distribution for Android, which Epic argues has been illegally protected through monopoly power. Pichai’s viewpoint from the top of the tech giant could offer pivotal revelations in the landmark legal fight between Epic and Google. His time on the stand will be closely watched.