Apple faces possible class-action lawsuit over iTunes and iPod

http://blog.wired.com/monkeybites/2007/01/is_apple_the_ne.html
Posted by Scott Gilbertson

Apple computer is facing a new lawsuit in the U.S. which claims that tying the iTunes Store to the iPod violates anti-trust laws. The suit was filed by a user, Melanie Tucker, but will probably get class action status.

The core of the claim is that Apple violates anti-trust laws by refusing to allow music sold on the iTunes Store to play with other manufacturer’s MP3 devices. The lawsuit also alleges that Apple does not make it clear to customers that files downloaded from the iTunes store will only work with an iPod.

Before someone blasts me in the comments, let’s be clear, yes you can strip the DRM and convert iTunes Store bought music to MP3, but that’s a hack and not something Apple supports.

Apple tried to get the lawsuit dismissed back in November but a judge rejected that request on December 20.

Apple already faces a similar lawsuit filed in France and several Scandinavian countries are reportedly preparing similar cases.

What I’d like to know is how much of this alleged monopoly is a result of Apple’s decisions and how much of it comes from restrictions and DRM requirements that the recording industry wanted in place?

Obviously from a legal standpoint, who made things the way they are doesn’t really matter, but if the iTunes Music store sold DRM-free MP3s this lawsuit would disappear and the world would be a happier place.