http://articles.washingtonpost.com/2013-08-07/business/41168651_1_publisher-defendants-e-book-prices-harpercollins-publishers-llc
Publishers who have settled an electronic book pricing dispute with the
federal government objected Wednesday to penalties the government wants to
impose on Apple Inc., saying it will hurt publishers rather than the personal
electronics giant.
A judge ruled in an antitrust case last month that Cupertino, Calif.-based
Apple had conspired with publishers to drive up the price of e-books in 2010,
spoiling the $9.99 price Amazon.com had established. The trial revealed e-book
prices rose after Apple signed so-called agency agreements with publishers that
took effect in 2010. In such agreements, publishers set prices for each title,
rather than retailers.
In papers submitted to a federal court judge Wednesday, five publishers said
the government’s plans to ban Apple from engaging in agency agreements for five
years would not restrict Apple’s pricing behavior.
