Apple Investigated by U.S. Justice Department Over eBook Pricing

[Michael Essany]

Apple is being investigated by the U.S. Department of Justice over the company's controversial price fixing of eBooks.

According to the Wall Street Journal, which confirmed the DOJ probe, the feds are concerned with the supposed appropriateness of Apple and its publishing partners limiting access to eBook discounting.

"We are also investigating the electronic book industry, along with the European Commission and the states attorneys general," said Sharis Pozen, the Justice Department's acting antitrust chief. The Wall Street Journal first reported that the Justice Department has been stealthily investigating the issue since 2010.

Meanwhile, The European Union's antitrust watchdog is doing exactly what the U.S. DOJ is doing - investigating Apple and five major publishers to get to the bottom of whether e-books can be priced and sold the way Apple and its cohorts want them to be.

More specifically, says the WSJ, The EU will investigate whether Apple and the publishing groups "engaged in illegal agreements or practices."

Source: WSJ

[Cokeman]

Meanwhile, The European Union's antitrust watchdog is doing exactly what the U.S. DOJ is doing - investigating Apple and five major publishers to get to the bottom of whether e-books can be priced and sold the way Apple and its cohorts want them to be.

Of course they can be sold that way. The problem is they shouldn't be. Amazon was selling them just fine at the lower price, until Apple forced the price hike. Naturally the Publishers are happier due to their greed.

[jOnGarrett]

Apple Grand Central deal under investigation here in NYC too. seems apple got a sweetheart deal on the Grand Central Station location. they got their space hundreds of dollar cheaper per square foot than any other retailer AND they dont have to share revenues with the MTA !!! and absolute MUST if you do any kind of business with the MTA !!!

For those of you who live here in NYC, you know very well how poor a job the MTA does managing its books !!!

[fatalcrixer]

**** em all