BRUSSELS, March 7 (Reuters) - Apple ( AAPL ) 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 ( AAPL ) led courts to determine that Apple ( AAPL ) 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 ( AAPL ) sole discretion'," an Apple ( AAPL ) spokesperson

said.

"In light of Epic's past and ongoing behaviour, Apple ( AAPL ) chose

to exercise that right."