March 13 (Reuters) - Epic Games, which makes the popular

video game "Fortnite," on Wednesday urged a federal judge to

hold Apple ( AAPL ) in contempt for allegedly violating an

injunction governing how its lucrative App Store operates, and

demanded compliance.

The companies have been battling in court since 2020, when

Epic accused Apple ( AAPL ) of violating antitrust law by requiring

consumers to obtain apps through its App Store, where it charges

up to 30% commissions on in-app purchases.

A September 2021 injunction required Apple ( AAPL ) to let app

developers provide links and buttons that direct consumers to

other means to pay for digital content.

In a filing with the Oakland, California, federal court,

Epic alleged Apple ( AAPL ) was in "blatant violation" of that injunction

following changes made in January.

It said Apple ( AAPL ) has imposed a new fee and rules that make the

links "commercially unusable," continues to "categorically

prohibit" buttons, and still prohibits some apps from steering

consumers to other purchasing means.

"Apple's ( AAPL ) goal is clear: to prevent purchasing alternatives

from constraining the supracompetitive fees it collects on

purchases of digital goods and services," Epic said. "Apple's ( AAPL )

so-called compliance is a sham."

Apple ( AAPL ) did not immediately respond to a request for comment.