Judge Rules

A federal judge has ruled against an online retailer that tried to force a Utah couple to pay $3,500 over a critical online review. U.S. District Judge Dee Benson entered a default judgment on April 30 in favor of John and Jen Palmer of Layton after KlearGear.com failed to respond to the couple's lawsuit. Benson ruled the Palmers owe nothing to KlearGear.com, but the gadget retailer owes them a sum to be determined at a court hearing in June, the Salt Lake Tribune reported.

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.

The judge in the J.C. Penney and Macy's case says J.C. Penney will be allowed to sell nonbranded Martha Stewart products for now. Check out this video from CNBC for more analysis of the case. 

Last week, a $7,000 fine handed down against Wal-Mart Stores in connection with a tragic Black Friday accident in 2008 was upheld. Should Wal-Mart and other retailers have been aware prior to Black Friday 2008 of the dangers faced by employees and had "comprehensive" crowd control plans in place? REGISTRATION ONLY TAKES A MINUTE! To read the complete content of this article and participate in the discussion, click the button below and sign up now! Existing subscribers, use the login below. Already registered? Log in here: Handle: Remember my login. Forgot your handle or password? Click here. FREE REGISTRATION...