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US: DOJ’s Bill Baer releases statement on Apple eBooks decision

By  |  September 9, 2013

Following last week’s ruling of US District Judge Denise Cote outlining sanctions against Apple Inc. for fixing eBooks prices, Assistant Attorney General Bill Baer, of the Department of Justice’s Antitrust Division, released a statement applauding the decision.

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    AG Baer said the DOJ is “pleased” the court has supported the DOJ’s fight against Apple’s price-fixing; Apple, along with major eBooks publishers, were sued by the DOJ for manipulating eBooks prices. All of the publishers settled.

    Last week, Judge Cote ruled that Apple must modify existing contracts with the publishers accused of conspiring with Apple and eliminate most favored nation pricing clauses, which were found to have lead to higher prices. Among additional sanctions, an external watchdog will be established to monitor Apple business practices and prevent future antitrust violations.

    The DOJ filed its lawsuit against Apple and the publishers in April of last year.

    In his statement, AG Baer said, “The court’s ruling reinforces the victory the department has won for consumers.”

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