BRUSSELS: Apple on Thursday defended its decision to block Fortnite video-game maker Epic Games from launching its own online marketplace on iPhones and iPads in Europe, saying courts have given it the right to take such actions.

“Epic’s egregious breach of its contractual obligations to Apple led courts to determine that Apple has the right to terminate ‘any or all of Epic Games’ wholly owned subsidiaries, affiliates, and/or other entities under Epic Games’ control at any time and at Apple’s sole discretion’,” an Apple spokesperson said.

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“In light of Epic’s past and ongoing behaviour, Apple chose to exercise that right.”