US: Ebook publishers rally against proposed DOJ sanctions on Apple

Five book publishers, who previously settled with the US Department of Justice over allegations of price-fixing e-books in conspiracy with Apple Inc., have filed an objection against the DOJ’s ruling that requires Apple to sever business ties with the publishers. The DOJ wants Apple to nullify the agency model used with the publishers, but the companies, including Penguin and Macmillan, claim such sanctions would violate the settlements made with authorities before the lawsuit against Apple began. The motion was filed on Wednesday in Manhattan. The publishers said the DOJ’s punishment would deprive “each publisher of the benefit of its bargain” with regulators. A hearing was scheduled for Friday to decide whether the court will adopt the remedies proposed by the DOJ, along with 33 states and territories. US District Judge Denise Cote found last month that Apple had conspired to fix e-books prices with the publishers.

Full Content: Reuters

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