Apple files appeal in e-book antitrust case

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NEW YORK (AP) — Apple filed papers on Tuesday telling a
federal appeals court in New York that a judge’s finding it violated
antitrust laws by manipulating electronic book prices "is a radical
departure" from modern antitrust law that will "chill competition and
harm consumers" if allowed to stand.
Apple filed its formal
written arguments before the Second U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals,
asking the appeals court to overturn the judgment in Apple’s favor, or
grant a new trial in front of a different judge.
U.S. District
Judge Denise Cote concluded last year that the Cupertino, Calif.-based
company colluded with book publishers in 2010 to raise electronic book
prices. She appointed Washington lawyer Michael Bromwich as monitor for
two years after concluding Apple was not doing enough to ensure it no
longer violated antitrust laws.
Apple’s papers filed Tuesday
refuted the antitrust finding, and said its entrance into the e-book
market "kick-started competition in a highly concentrated market,
delivering higher output, lower price levels, and accelerated
innovation."
Apple had also filed a request that the monitor’s
work be suspended until the appeals court decides whether he was
correctly appointed. A three-judge panel of the appeals court ruled
earlier this month that he can once again take up his work but under the
limits decided upon by Cote.
An email seeking comment from the Department of Justice was not immediately answered.
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