A judge has ruled in the government's favor in its case against the computing giant. Apple had warned a guilty verdict could have chilling effect on digital media deals. July 10, 2013 6:18 AM PDT In a quick decision, the Southern District of New York has ruled that Apple violated antitrust laws in government's e-book price-fixing case against the computing giant, according to the judge's decision Wednesday. "This Court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that Apple conspired to restrain trade," Judge Denise Cote said in a 160-page opinion. Bloomberg and Reuters reported the news earlier. A trial for damages will to follow. The original trial's arguments closed June 20. The U.S. Department of Justice, which initially sued Apple and a handful of the nation's largest publishers early last year, said Apple and the publishers had two objectives when making their deals: raise e-book prices and restrain retail price competition to hurt Amazon. Apple rejected the charges and said a guilty verdict could have a negative impact on how digital media deals are negotiated. CNET will update as more details become available and Apple responds to requests for comment.
A judge has ruled in the government's favor in its case against the computing giant. Apple had warned a guilty verdict could have chilling effect on digital media deals.
In a quick decision, the Southern District of New York has ruled that Apple violated antitrust laws in government's e-book price-fixing case against the computing giant, according to the judge's decision Wednesday.
"This Court finds by a preponderance of the evidence that Apple conspired to restrain trade," Judge Denise Cote said in a 160-page opinion.
Bloomberg and Reuters reported the news earlier.
A trial for damages will to follow. The original trial's arguments closed June 20.
The U.S. Department of Justice, which initially sued Apple and a handful of the nation's largest publishers early last year, said Apple and the publishers had two objectives when making their deals: raise e-book prices and restrain retail price competition to hurt Amazon. Apple rejected the charges and said a guilty verdict could have a negative impact on how digital media deals are negotiated.
CNET will update as more details become available and Apple responds to requests for comment.
