Apple Expected to Appeal E-Book Price Fixing Ruling

Apple just simplified its approach to the ongoing litigation around its alleged e-books price fixing. A damages settlement struck Monday with several state attorneys general and a class of plaintiffs clears the way for Apple to focus on appealing a July 2013 ruling that it fixed prices in violation of antitrust laws. The company agreed to a deal with U.S. states and consumers who were seeking damages of up to $840 million. A jury trial on those damages was scheduled to start next month.

Federal judge Denise Cote in Manhattan on June 17 asked all sides to submit a filing by July 16, seeking approval of the proposed deal. As Bloomberg News reports, details of the agreement weren't disclosed. Apple spokeswoman Kristin Huguet, Apple's attorney Theodore Boutrous, and plaintiffs attorney Steve Berman declined to comment. Read more...