CARY – Epic Games is opening a new front against Apple in a legal battle that is spreading worldwide, accusing the tech giant of maintaining a monopoly through its App Store.

In a complaint filed Wednesday with European regulators, the publisher of the globally popular game Fortnite accused Apple of “harming consumers and app developers in Europe and around the world” with restrictive policies.

Epic also is fighting Apple with an antitrust suit in the US as well as Australia and has filed a complaint in the UK. In a graphic Epic published along with the new complaint, Epic noted its “Free Fortnite” campaing being waged at Twitter.

The battle between the former business partners erupted last year when Epic developed a workaround to avoid having to pay fees to Apple through the App Store for in-game sales made by Fortnite players. Epic has called the 30% fee a “tax.” The case is headed for trial in May.

“We’re bringing our fight to end Apple’s App Store monopoly to Europe. Apple’s practices are harming consumers and app developers in Europe and around the world, and we’re joining the #EU’s ongoing investigation into Apple’s abuse of its dominant position,” Epic declared in a formal statement early Wednesday.

Tim Sweeney (Photo courtesy of Epic Games via Forbes)

Epic founder and CEO Tim Sweeney declared:

“What’s at stake here is the very future of mobile platforms. Consumers have the right to install apps from sources of their choosing and developers have the right to compete in a fair marketplace. We will not stand idly by and allow Apple to use its platform dominance to control what should be a level digital playing field. It’s bad for consumers, who are paying inflated prices due to the complete lack of competition among stores and in-app payment processing. And it’s bad for developers, whose very livelihoods often hinge on Apple’s complete discretion as to who to allow on the iOS platform, and on which terms.”

Apple said Epic introduced a payment feature that it did not review or approve, with the intention of violating app store guidelines that apply equally to every developer and are aimed at protecting customers.

“Their reckless behavior made pawns of customers, and we look forward to making this clear to the European Commission,” Apple said in a statement.

In a statement, Epic noted that its complaint with the European Commission’s Directorate-General for Competition  “alleges that through a series of carefully designed anti-competitive restrictions, Apple has not just harmed but completely eliminated competition in app distribution and payment processes.  Apple uses its control of the iOS ecosystem to benefit itself while blocking competitors and its conduct is an abuse of a dominant position and in breach of EU competition law.”

Apple initially banned Epic entirely from its App Store but a judge ordered that restrictions on other aspects of Epic’s business beyond Fortnite be lifted. Epic has a large ecosystem centered around its game development engine Unreal.

“This is much bigger than Epic versus Apple – it goes to the heart of whether consumers and developers can do business together directly on mobile platforms or are forced to use monopoly channels against their wishes and interests. Epic has asked the Commission to address Apple’s anti-competitive conduct by imposing timely and effective remedies. Epic is not seeking damages from Apple, as is the case in the US, Australia and the UK. It is simply seeking fair access and competition that will benefit consumers and developers,” Epic said.

North Dakota battle

Epic also became involved in a legislative battle in North Dakota.

“North Dakota’s effort to combat app store monopolies is awesome for consumers and developers. The Coalition for App Fairness organized the outreach, lobbying, and developer participation. Can’t take credit for it, but Epic is proud to be a part of it!” Sweeney wrote in a Tweet on Tuesday.

However, that bill was defeated.

“The vote is a victory for Apple, which says that the App Store is a core part of its product and that its tight control over its rules keeps iPhone users safe from malware and scams,” CNBC reported.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.