Judge Rules That Apple Conspired To Fix E-Book Prices

by Long Island Attorney Paul A. Lauto, Esq.

The United States District Court in the case of United States v. Apple, ruled that Apple violated the Sherman Act by restraining E-book competition. It was alleged that when Apple entered the E-book market in 2010, many popular and newly released E-books increased 30- 50% in price. Further, that Apple and other publishers allegedly conspired in price fixing as a counter measure to Amazon's highly successful $9.99 E-book campaign.

Judge Cote found that "the evidence is overwhelming that Apple knew of the unlawful aims of the conspiracy and joined the conspiracy with specific intent to help it succeed." The court will set down a future hearing to determine injunctive relief and damages in the case. Apple has vehemently denied all claims of price fixing and conspiracy and plans to appeal the decision to the US Court of Appeals.