US: The e-books price-fixing showdown begins

A Manhattan federal court heard the opening arguments from Apple Inc. and the US Department of Justice on Monday as the case over whether Apple illegally fixed e-book prices officially began. Apple’s Chief Executive Officer Time Cook is expected to stand strong during the trial as the company continues to fight claims against the company. Previous reports have said prior emails sent by former CEO and Apple founder Steve Jobs will be crucial evidence in the case, which some consider a relatively unusual one that represents the Obama administration’s firm challenges on mega-corporations. The court will hear whether Apple violated antitrust law with the introduction of its iPad, used as an e-reader, in 2010. Apple is the last remaining defendant in a case initiated by the DOJ after five of the largest e-books publishers settled out of court. If the DOJ comes out victorious, it could initiate a catalyst of class actions against the tech giant; a group of states currently led by Texas is seeking damages and fines from Apple in a similar case.

Full Content: Bloomberg

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