Apple Violated Antitrust Law by Conspiring to Raise E-Book Prices, Judge Rules

In a decision that could reshape how books are sold on the internet, a federal judge ruled that Apple Inc. conspired to raise the retail prices of e-books in violation of antitrust law, and called for a trial on damages. The decision by U.S. District Judge Denise Cote in Manhattan is a victory for the U.S. government and various states, which the judge said are entitled to injunctive relief. Apple had been accused of colluding with five publishers to boost e-book prices beginning in late 2009, as the company was preparing to launch its popular iPad tablet.