Following closing arguments yesterday, Apple’s 3-week-long e-book price fixing trial has finally come to an end. But it’ll be a while before we know the outcome.
Over the course of the trial, the DoJ claimed that Apple was the “ringleader” of a conspiracy to fix e-book prices. Apple denied the allegations, saying that there was no conspiracy. Instead, the Cupertino-based tech giant claimed that the actions it took boosted competitiveness within the e-book industry, and said that the average price of an e-book has come down from where it was before the company entered the market.
Overall, the message from Apple has been to argue that its moves promoted competition in the market, and that any accusations of conspiracy between the parties were overblown. The DoJ counters by saying that no matter the effects on the market, Apple’s actions constitute a per se violation of the Sherman Antitrust Act.
While Denise Cote, the judge assigned to the case, initially seemed optimistic about the Justice Department’s chances, her perspective on the case seems to have changed, at least slightly, since then.
“It seems to me the issues have somewhat shifted during the course of the trial,” she said, according to Philip Elmer-Dewitt. “Things change. People have to stay nimble. I’m looking forward to understanding where we are now.”
It may take several weeks or months for Cote to reach her verdict, a spokesperson told Elmer-Dewitt.
If you’re interested both sides’ closing slide decks, you can find them below. (via AllThingsD)
Previously on GeekWire: Trial details hardball tactics by Apple, Amazon and publishers in battle for control of e-books … E-books: Apple’s federal court showdown starts today
